Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, COMING BACK, by KATHARINE TYNAN


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

COMING BACK, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: As I went through the ancient town
Last Line: Who knew me not and passed.
Alternate Author Name(s): Hinkson, Katharine Tynan
Variant Title(s): The Meeting
Subject(s): Homecoming; Longing; Loss; Towns; Youth


AS I went through the ancient town,
Long lost and found once more,
Oh, who is this in a green gown
I knew so well of yore?

Veils of enchantment hid the place,
Hung every street and square:
I felt the sea-wind in my face
And the ruffling in my hair.

O town I loved so well and lost,
And find again with tears,
Your streets hold many a darling ghost
And all the vanished years!

My heart went singing a low song,
Glad to be home again.
But who is this comes blithe and young,
Not feared of life but fain?

Oh, who is this comes cold as a stone
To my quick cry and call?
Of all the faces loved and flown
I knew her best of all.

"Stay, you are ..." Is she deaf and blind,
Or hath she quite forgot?
What chill is in the sun, the wind,
Because she knows me not?

As I went down—my eyes were wet—
Eager and stepping fast
That was my own sweet youth I met,
Who knew me not and passed.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net