Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DEAD WIFE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: ALWAYS I SEE HER IN A SAINTLY GUISE
Last Line: I NEED SO MUCH -- SO MUCH!
Subject(s): DEATH; FACES; MARRIAGE; DEAD, THE; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;

ALWAYS I see her in a saintly guise
Of lilied raiment, white as her own brow
When first I kissed the tear-drops to the eyes
That smile forever now.

Those gentle eyes! They seem the same to me,
As, looking through the warm dews of mine own,
I see them gazing downward patiently
Where, lost and all alone

In the great emptiness of night, I bow
And sob aloud for one returning touch
Of the dear hands that, Heaven having now,
I need so much -- so much!



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