Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE MOTHER'S LAMENT UPON LOSS OF HER CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHS, by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT Poet's Biography First Line: Hast thou no mercy, wind, that thou should'st tear from me Last Line: In colors rare, upon fond memory's page. Alternate Author Name(s): Tucker, Mary Eliza Perine Subject(s): Children; Photography & Photographers; Childhood | ||||||||
HAST thou no mercy, wind, that thou should'st tear from me, All that is left me of my loved -- my own? Thy hand is human, else it could not be With weight of sorrow in my poor heart borne. Two clinging vines, trained by my erring hand, Two rose-buds, with their petals scarce unclosing -- See how they float, like tiny barks well manned, Now like a bird upon the wave reposing. Mock me not, waves! Why on your flirting spray, Toss ye my precious darlings to and fro? Oh! save them, sailor, ere they pass away; Their worth to me, no mortal's soul can know. There I see ye not their fairy brightness gleaming, Like stars upon the darkness of the night? See that fond smile upon each feature beaming; Wave, can ye thus deprive my soul of light? On, on they fly! too late! the ocean cave Now claims among her jewels two rare gems, Worth thousands such as Eastern monarchs crave, To form star-clusters in their diadems. Whene'er I looked into those faces fair, Into those eyes of clear celestial blue, I always prayed, and felt God heard my prayer, That for their sakes I might be good and true. Now those fair faces and thee eyes of blue, No more will daunt me with their pleading gaze; The deep sea hides them from my reckless view, And unrebuked I'll walk in worldly ways. No! not unchecked; when sin's allurements fair, Tempt me to err, with wily, subtle art, I hear sweet voices in each breath of air, "See, mother, see! thy children in thy heart." Then keep my jewels, sea, and guard them well; I care not, wind, for your revengeful rage; My babes are painted by love's mystic spell, In colors rare, upon fond memory's page. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE THREE CHILDREN by JOSEPHINE JACOBSEN CHILDREN SELECTING BOOKS IN A LIBRARY by RANDALL JARRELL COME TO THE STONE ... by RANDALL JARRELL THE LOST WORLD by RANDALL JARRELL A SICK CHILD by RANDALL JARRELL CONTINENT'S END by ROBINSON JEFFERS ON THE DEATH OF FRIENDS IN CHILDHOOD by DONALD JUSTICE THE POET AT SEVEN by DONALD JUSTICE |
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