Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LAST MAN, by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LAST MAN, by                    
First Line: Back at commencement time he came
Last Line: Reunion in another clime.
Subject(s): Commencement; Dartmouth College; Reunions; Scholarship & Scholars; Graduation


BACK at Commencement time he came,
Over the Campus I saw him pass,
Old and infirm and walking lame;
He was the last man of his class.

No close chums of his college days
Rushed forth to take him by the hand, —
He walked alone the dear old ways,
Survivor of a fallen band.

Though we who look face to the fore
Spoke words to him of kindly cheer,
They charmed him not. In Thornton's door
I saw him brush away a tear.

His hunger was for other men,
Not we who sprightly whistled by; —
He dreamed of times that once had been,
He longed — I heard him heave a sigh.

He passed through Thornton's threshold, — grim
And scarred from wars with Father Time;
I watched him go, and wished for him
Reunion in another clime.




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