Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PASSING OF A HEART by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: O TOUCH ME WITH YOUR HANDS
Last Line: HE TOUCHED HER WITH HIS HANDS.
Subject(s): HANDS; HEARTS; SLEEP;

O TOUCH me with your hands --
For pity's sake!
My brow throbs ever on with such an ache
As only your cool touch may take away;
And so, I pray
You, touch me with your hands!

Touch -- touch me with your hands. --
Smooth back the hair
You once caressed, and kissed, and called so fair
That I did dream its gold would wear alway,
And lo, to-day --
O touch me with your hands!

Just touch me with your hands,
And let them press
My weary eyelids with the old caress,
Aud lull me till I sleep. Then go your way,
That Death may say:
He touched her with his hands.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net