Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A GOOD MAN by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: A GOOD MAN NEVER DIES
Last Line: A GOOD MAN NEVER DIES.
Subject(s): DEATH; LIFE; MOURNING; DEAD, THE; BEREAVEMENT;
I

A GOOD man never dies --
In worthy deed and prayer
And helpful hands, and honest eyes,
If smiles or tears be there:
Who lives for you and me --
Lives for the world he tries
To help -- he lives eternally.
A good man never dies.

II

Who lives to bravely take
His share of toil and stress,
And, for his weaker fellows' sake,
Makes every burden less, --
He may, at last, seem worn --
Lie fallen -- hands and eyes
Folded -- yet, though we mourn and mourn,
A good man never dies.



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