When I become as history, -- long-past history, And hang within my niche upon the wall, I shall enjoy the hum of children's voices -- The new young voices, and the clear footfall. I shall enjoy the merriment and laughter In the long ages following hereafter. All the sweet things that we possess and harbor Must naturally have value of a kind -- But of more transient worth and less regretting Than the warm rich fulfillment of the mind. I shall become a proud ancestress when I see the stalwart grandsons of the men Whom I have known, whom I have loved in friendship, Carry the torch beyond the furthest rim Of far earth's visions. I shall hang resplendent In my cool niche, and think again of him Most well-beloved and cherished, -- understand When our great-grandson bends above my hand. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THEN AND NOW by JEAN JACQUES ANTOINE AMPERE AFTER CHURCH by SAMUEL ALFRED BEADLE NOT TOO UNIMPORTANT by BERTON BRALEY THE HULDRA-WOMAN by STOPFORD AUGUSTUS BROOKE THE FISHERMAN'S CHANT by FRANCIS COWLEY BURNAND |