Most Reverend Saint: I have been told you keep the gates of Heaven (If I am being overbold, I pray to be forgiven.) -- And knowing well how busy you must be, I shall be brief. (My hand's unsteady as an aspen leaf.) When Sheila comes -- (You'll know her by her smile, her dusky hair touched with the bloom one finds on purple plums.) -- Her gay "Hello!" may take you unaware; but I assure she means no disrespect:: Sixteen, you know, can seldom recollect the rules of tongue. Sixteen's so young! And if her halo tilts a bit, worn at a seemingly frivolous angle, please keep in mind, she is not used to it, that time will set the shining bangle more sedately on her hair, and give her dignity to wear. For your compassion, Sainted Brother, the gratitude of Sheila's mother. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AFTERNOON ON A HILL by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY HEART AND MIND by EDITH SITWELL LITTLE GOLDENHAIR by F. BURGE SMITH THE CASTLE BY THE SEA by JOHANN LUDWIG UHLAND TO A COMMON PROSTITUTE by WALT WHITMAN AS NIGHT COMES by CHARLES G. ADAMS ON SEEING BLENHEIM CASTLE by LUCY AIKEN OUR HERITAGE by ISIDORE G. ASCHER SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 35. BALACLAVA by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) |