I take your book -- of autographs: I take a look -- at photographs. You here in happy order range, Your many friends, forever dear -- For fleeting time and restless change, A precious, lasting souvenir. Permit me, too, to write my name; But where? with Jennie or with Mattie? With Katie, Minnie, or with Pollie? No matter where, 'tis all the same, Whether with Nellie or with Hattie; Then put it here along with Mollie. The partial act no one can blame; All petty jealousy may cease; Admiring all, we thus proclaim, A preference for a lovely niece. The memory of tender years -- Those years that quickly fly, So full of hope, so free from tears, Can never, never die. Though far apart we wander, As time shall roll away; Our hearts no space can sunder, Our love can ne'er decay. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A CELEBRATION by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS HUNTING SONG, FR. ZAPOLYA by SAMUEL TAYLOR COLERIDGE LATE LEAVES by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR THE DEATH-BED by SIEGFRIED SASSOON AT THE GRAVE OF BURNS; SEVEN YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH |