EVEN as a child to whom sad neighbors speak In symbol, saying that his father "sleeps" -- Who feels their meaning, even as his cheek Feels the first tear-drop as it stings and leaps -- Who keenly knows his loss, and yet denies Its awful import -- grieves unreconciled, Moans, drowses -- rouses, with new-drowning eyes -- Even as a child. Even as a child; with empty, aimless hand Clasped sudden to the heart all hope deserts -- With tears that blur all lights on sea or land -- The lip that quivers and the throat that hurts: Even so, the Nation that has known his love Is orphaned now; and, whelmed in anguish wild Knows but its sorrow and the ache thereof, Even as a child. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO BAYARD TAYLOR by SIDNEY LANIER A MEDITATION FOR HIS MISTRESS by ROBERT HERRICK THE BREAKING by MARGARET STEELE ANDERSON TRANQUIL HABIT by AUGUSTE ANGELLIER A TOMB BY THE SEA by AULUS LICINIUS ARCHIAS |