THE years fly swiftly, and we know the dawn Of graying age—for Sullivan has gone! Our thoughts are ranging far along the track Of the great Past, and memories come back— Tales that men told at night around the fire, Of the strong youth who gained his heart's desire— Higher ambition than the lust of gold— A champion's laurels to achieve and hold— A youth who laughed at wealth's insidious lure, But scattered it among the weak and poor— A warrior who, with gripped and sinewy hands, Asked only, "Show me where my foeman stands"— And scenes of battle, where, like some young bull, He drank delight of victory to the full! The years fly swiftly, and we know the dawn Of graying age—for Sullivan has gone! The picture changes, and upon the brink Of dark disaster, wine cups dance and clink. Young, and yet old—still champion in the fray, Idol of all, he goes his way. Rising from sloth, he reassumes his crown, Stands grim at bay, and strikes his rivals down, A new-come foe—Fate marks relentless score— The thud of blows—the champion is no more! Conquered, defeated, beaten in the ring, He still lived on—high-honored as a King! He was Our Champion—and an icy blast Struck to our heartstrings as the Champion passed! The years fly swiftly, and we know the dawn Of graying age—for Sullivan has gone! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...INTO BATTLE by JULIAN GRENFELL GOOD AND BAD LUCK by HEINRICH HEINE BITTER-SWEET: CRADLE SONG [OR, BABYHOOD] by JOSIAH GILBERT HOLLAND RHOECUS by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF THE OLD GREY MARE by MOTHER GOOSE SING-SONG; A NURSERY RHYME BOOK: 105 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |