Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO ALMON KEEFER, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO ALMON KEEFER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: This first book that I ever knew
Last Line: And I will listen as you read.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Books; Friendship; Youth; Reading


THIS first book that I ever knew
Was read aloud to me by you --
Friend of my boyhood, therefore take
It back from me, for old times' sake --
The selfsame "Tales" first read to me,
Under "the old sweet apple tree,"
Ere I myself could read such great
Big words, -- but listening all elate,
At your interpreting, until
Brain, heart and soul were all athrill
With wonder, awe, and sheer excess
Of wildest childish happiness.

So take the book again -- forget
All else, -- long years, lost hopes, regret;
Sighs for the joys we ne'er attain,
Prayers we have lifted all in vain;
Tears for the faces seen no more,
Once as the roses at the door!
Take the enchanted book -- And lo,
On grassy swards of long ago,
Sprawl out again, beneath the shade
The breezy old-home orchard made,
The veriest barefoot boy indeed --
And I will listen as you read.





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