Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CHAPERON, by HENRY CUYLER BUNNER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CHAPERON, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I take my chaperon to the play
Last Line: As young -- as young as she!
Subject(s): Old Age


I TAKE my chaperon to the play --
She thinks she's taking me.
And the gilded youth who owns the box,
A proud young man is he;
But how would his young heart be hurt
If he could only know
That not for his sweet sake I go
Nor yet to see the trifling show;
But to see my chaperon flirt.

Her eyes beneath her snowy hair
They sparkle young as mine;
There's scarce a wrinkle in her hand
So delicate and fine.
And when my chaperon is seen,
They come from everywhere --
The dear old boys with silvery hair,
With old-time grace and old-time air,
To greet their old-time queen.

They bow as my young Midas here
Will never learn to bow
(The dancing-masters do not teach
That gracious reverence now);
With voices quavering just a bit,
They play their old parts through,
They talk of folk who used to woo,
Of hearts that broke in 'fifty-two --
Now none the worse for it.

And as those aged crickets chirp
I watch my chaperon's face,
And see the dear old features take
A new and tender grace;
And in her happy eyes I see
Her youth awakening bright,
With all its hope, desire, delight --
Ah, me! I wish that I were quite
As young -- as young as she!





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