Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN A BOX, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN A BOX, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I saw them last night in a box at
Last Line: With that far-away look in her eyes.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Night; Old Age; Youth; Bedtime


I SAW them last night in a box at the play --
Old age and young youth side by side. --
You might know by the glasses that pointed that way
That they were -- a groom and a bride;
And you might have known, too, by the face of the groom,
And the tilt of his head, and the grim
Little smile of his lip, he was proud to presume
That we men were all envying him.

Well, she was superb -- an Elaine in the face --
A Godiva in figure and mien,
With the arm and the wrist of a Parian "Grace,"
And the high-lifted brow of a queen;
But I thought, in the splendor of wealth and of pride,
And her beauty's ostensible prize,
I should hardly be glad if she sat by my side
With that far-away look in her eyes.





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