Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WAITING, by EDGAR A. POST


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WAITING, by                    
First Line: I could say nice things about him
Last Line: Till I stand before his bier.
Subject(s): Praise; Waiting


I COULD say nice things about him;
I could praise him if I would;
I could tell about his kindness,
For he's always doing good.
I could boost him as he journeys
O'er the road of life to-day;
But I let him pass in silence
And I've not a word to say:
For I'm one of those now waiting —
Ere a word of praise is said,
Or a word of comfort uttered —
Till the friend we love lies dead.

I could speak of yonder brother
As a man it's good to know;
And perhaps he'd like to hear it,
As he journeys here below.
I could tell the world about him
And his virtues all recall,
But at present he is living,
And it wouldn't do at all:
So I'm waiting, yes, I'm waiting,
Till the spark of life is fled;
Ere I raise my voice to praise him
I must know that he is dead.

I appreciate the kindness
That he's often shown to me,
And it will not be forgotten
When I speak his eulogy.
I should like to stand in public
And proclaim him "friend of mine."
But that isn't customary,
So I give the world no sign
Of my love for yonder brother,
Who has often helped me here;
I am waiting, ere I praise him,
Till I stand before his bier.





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