Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, VAIN FEARS, by WALT MASON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

VAIN FEARS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Why should I fear the hour of going? I'll
Last Line: Natural; why have the willies? It's no excuse for fear or woe.
Subject(s): Cowardice; Fear


WHY should I fear the hour of going? I'll venture forth, like some good sport,
upon the silent tide that's flowing to an unknown, uncharted port. The world
jogged on before my coming, as it will jog when I am dead, the spheres will on
their course go humming, the stars will glitter overhead. Man fears his passing,

but he'd ortn't; the vine that to yon trellis clings is just as valued and
important, in old Dame Nature's scheme of things. Am I more craven than the
creeper that shades the doorway of my coop? Shall I be coward, doubter, weeper,

when these old vines don't care a whoop? The roses do not fear the weather that

puts the finis to their bloom; they scent the summer air together, and un-
protesting meet their doom. Have I less courage than the roses, shall I forsake

my cheerful grin, when some old sawbones grim discloses the solemn fact that I'm

all in? The lovely roses and the lilies, the boys and damsels all must go; it's

natural; why have the willies? It's no excuse for fear or woe.





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