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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BALLADE OF THE ALUMNA, by EDITH CHILD First Line: How sadly in these latter days Last Line: Another's name is on the door. | |||
HOW sadly in these latter days, In search of memories bitter-sweet, We tread the once-accustomed ways With step grown slow, and lagging feet, -- Timed to the pulse's slower beat, -- And climb the stair and reach the floor, To find -- alas! how time is fleet! Another's name is on the door! We timid knock, and beg to gaze On all once ours -- are shown a seat, O irony! In sad amaze We marvel that it looks so neat, Recalling how we used to meet At gruesome hours in days of yore, -- Hours that fate can ne'er repeat: Another's name is on the door. Our ready chaff, our wordy frays, Conviction backed by young conceit, Have left no echoes; nothing stays To mark how once we "led the street;" But others come with youthful heat, Nor reck of those who came before, And play their part -- their years complete; -- Another's name is on the door. ENVOY. Freshmen, our age with reverence greet, And warning take, though grieved sore, No words delay, no prayers entreat, -- Another's name is on the door. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO S.M., A YOUNG AFRICAN PAINTER, ON SEEING HIS WORKS by PHILLIS WHEATLEY THE EXILE by LAWRENCE ALMA-TADEMA PEARLS OF THE FAITH: 39. AL-HAFIZ by EDWIN ARNOLD ON CYNTHIA, SINGING A RECITATIVE PIECE OF MUSIC by PHILIP AYRES |
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