Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, ABE LINCOLN BUILDS A COFFIN, by HAZEL HILLIS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ABE LINCOLN BUILDS A COFFIN, by                    
First Line: A coffin for my mother!
Last Line: No lips but mine to pray.
Subject(s): Coffins; Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Mothers; Presidents, United States


A coffin for my mother!
Oh, I will make it wide,
And cushion it with pine boughs
Soft inside.

I'll pluck the goose, I'll shear the sheep,
Steal the marten's fur;
My spoils shall pad the fragrant leaf
To make a bed for her.

A shroud for my dear mother!
Oh, I will have it white --
(A cruel use for linen
That graced her wedding night.)

I'll drape the shroud, I'll pin it soft,
Make of it a gown
As rich as any lad could buy
In any seacoast town.

A grave for my dead mother!
Oh, I will make it deep,
Lest roots that bore in hunger
Disturb her utter sleep.

I'll make the coffin, grave, and shroud,
I'll bury love today:
There are no hands but mine to serve,
No lips but mine to pray.





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