My patch work quilt lies, finished, on the chair— Mostly dark grays and browns, but here and there The flashing brightness of gold, green and red That makes the somber hues look dull and dead. I wanted all my quilt to be quite gay— I felt so disappointed with its gray, Sad tone, I almost cried. And yet— With all the pieces in their places set— Its restful shade is what a comfort needs. 'Twould be too garish if bright wools and tweeds Predominated. I'm sure I could not rest So well beneath it, so I know 'tis best. My life is like that. I have cried to know I could not have, each day, a glittering show Of pleasure, with the bright lights always gay; For most of mine have been so dull and gray. Yet, when the pattern is all set, and I, Leaving my work behind, have come to die, The living loved will cherish most, I guess, The comfort of my days of quietness. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE WANDERING JEW by WILLIAM EDMONSTOUNE AYTOUN SONNETS OF MANHOOD: 35. BALACLAVA by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) MR. STOTHARD TO MR. CROMEK by WILLIAM BLAKE THE DEATH OF JEFFERSON by HEZEKIAH BUTTERWORTH |