Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A LEAVE-TAKING by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHE WILL NOT SMILE;
Last Line: THUS, SOME DAY!
Subject(s): DEATH; LIPS; SMILES; TEARS; DEAD, THE;
SHE will not smile;
She will not stir;
I marvel while
I look on her.
The lips are chilly
And will not speak;
The ghost of a lily
In either cheek.

Her hair -- ah me!
Her hair -- her hair!
How helplessly
My hands go there!
But my caresses
Meet not hers,
O golden tresses
That thread my tears!

I kiss the eyes
On either lid,
Where her love lies
Forever hid.
I cease my weeping
And smile and say:
I will be sleeping
Thus, some day!



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