Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, OLD CHUMS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OLD CHUMS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If I die first,' my old chum paused
Last Line: And I laughed -- whisperingly -- and we were glad.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Death; Friendship; Laughter; Dead, The


"IF I die first," my old chum paused to say,
"Mind! not a whimper of regret: -- instead,
Laugh and be glad, as I shall. -- Being dead,
I shall not lodge so very far away
But that our mirth shall mingle. -- So, the day
The word comes, joy with me." "I'll try," I said,
Though, even speaking, sighed and shook my head
And turned, with misted eyes. His roundelay
Rang gaily on the stair; and then the door
Opened and -- closed. . . . Yet something of the clear,
Hale hope, and force of whole-some faith he had
Abided with me -- strengthened more and more. --
Then -- then they brought his broken body here:
And I laughed -- whisperingly -- and we were glad.





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