Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A MOTHER-SONG, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A MOTHER-SONG, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Mother, o mother! Forever I cry for you
Last Line: "sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Mothers; Singing & Singers; Sleep


MOTHER, O mother! forever I cry for you,
Sing the old song I may never forget;
Even in slumber I murmur and sigh for you,--
Mother, O mother,
Sing low, "Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"

Mother, O mother! the years are so lonely,
Filled but with weariness, doubt and regret!
Can't you come back to me--for to-night only.
Mother, my mother,
And sing, "Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"

Mother, O mother! of old I had never
One wish denied me, nor trouble to fret;
Now--must I cry out all vainly forever,--
Mother, sweet mother,
O sing, "Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"

Mother, O mother! must longing and sorrow
Leave me in darkness, with eyes ever wet,
And never the hope of a meeting to-morrow?
Answer me, mother,
And sing, "Little brother,
Sleep, for thy mother bends over thee yet!"







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