Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AT HIS WINTRY TENT, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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AT HIS WINTRY TENT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Not only master of his art was he
Last Line: "old friend, good night -- for there is no good-by."
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Art & Artists; Death; Friendship; Life; Tents; Dead, The


NOT only master of his art was he,
But master of his spirit -- winged indeed
For lordliest height, yet poised for lowliest need
Of those, alas! upheld less buoyantly.
He gloried even in adversity,
And won his country's plaudits, and the meed
Of Old World praise, as one loath to succeed
While others were denied like victory.
Though passed, I count him still my master-friend,
Invincible as through his mortal fight, --
The laughing light of faith still in his eye
As, at his wintry tent, pitched at the end
Of life, he gaily called to me "Good night,
Old friend, good night -- for there is no good-by."





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