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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HIS MOTHER by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: DEAD! MY WAYWARD BOY - MY OWN
Last Line: WILL YOU FACE US THERE?
Subject(s): DEATH; GOD; MOTHERS; DEAD, THE;

DEAD! my wayward boy -- @3my own@1 --
Not @3the Law's!@1 but @3mine@1 -- the good
God's free gift to me alone,
Sanctified by motherhood.

"Bad," you say: Well, who is not?
"Brutal" -- "with a heart of stone" --
And "red-handed." -- Ah! the hot
Blood upon your own!

I come not, with downward eyes,
To plead for him shamedly, --
God did not apologize
When he gave the boy to me.

Simply, I make ready now
For @3His@1 verdict. -- @3You@1 prepare --
You have killed us both -- and how
Will you face us There?



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