Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, EXPERIENCE, by MAUDE HICKS HICKMAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EXPERIENCE, by                    
First Line: A weary old man goes by astumbling
Last Line: "I dwell in the past -- I am history."
Subject(s): Experience


A weary old man goes by astumbling,
Shoulders worn down as if by crumbling,
Eyes that are blind but widely staring
Into the darkness that they are sharing.
His shambling feet are hunting, feeling
For something the darkness is not revealing.
Yet weather-worn face is flushed with hoping
As he stretches his hand before him, groping.

The other behind his crooked frame
Is holding a torch with burning flame.
"Why is it, good man, (poor maniac)
You carry your light behind your back?"
"I am Experience: probing night,
So all but fools will follow my light.
Every one looks to the future but me;
I dwell in the past -- I am History."





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