Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE BALLAD OF SMILES AND TEARS, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When the gleeful spring on Last Line: Then hearts that are heavy may melt in tears. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Seasons; Smiles; Soul; Tears | ||||||||
I WHEN the gleeful Spring on dancing feet Pranks the sward of the forest aisles, And the bluebird pipes from his old retreat, O then may the glad face bloom with smiles: But whenever the wind of winter piles The drifting snow on the frozen meres, And the feet are worn with the weary miles, Then hearts that are heavy may melt in tears. II When the soul is brimmed with a joy too sweet To waste like that of a laughing child's, When the lips of love for the first time meet, O then may the glad face bloom with smiles; But whenever the kiss of love defiles, And friendship wanes with the waning years, When faith has perished, and hope beguiles, Then hearts that are heavy may melt in tears. III When the brow is crowned and the song complete, And the minstrel's guerdon reconciles The victor-soul to the heart's defeat, O then may the glad face bloom with smiles: But whenever the world in scorn compiles Its ready pages of scoffs and jeers, And the brain is weary of envy's wiles, Then hearts that are heavy may melt in tears. L'ENVOY When the eyelids droop like a drowsy child's, O then may the glad face bloom with smiles: But whenever the waking is fraught with fears, Then hearts that are heavy may melt in tears. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BANGLA DESH: 2. THE BLOOD IN MY EYES by FAIZ AHMED FAIZ TIME ROCKING ON by ANSELM HOLLO TEARS AND KISSES by GEORGIA DOUGLAS JOHNSON DOMESDAY BOOK: GEORGE JOSLIN ON LA MENKEN by EDGAR LEE MASTERS HOW FAR IS IT TO THE LAND WE LEFT? by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE TEARS FALL IN MY HEART by PAUL VERLAINE A BOY'S MOTHER by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY |
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