Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE STORY WITHOUT END, by DORA SIGERSON SHORTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE STORY WITHOUT END, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Before my time my kindred were
Last Line: The story without end.
Alternate Author Name(s): Sigerson, Dora; Shorter, Mrs. Clement
Subject(s): Nationalism - Ireland; Patriotism


BEFORE my time my kindred were
As felons in their land,
Because they claimed the liberty
That freemen understand.

Ere I was born in Dublin town
Men's hearts were still aflame;
They spoke of Allen and O'Brien,
And whispered Larkin's name.

When I slept on my mother's breast,
A little babe, and frail,
Young Duffy's hearse went slowly by:
He died in Milbank Jail.

When I could read, I spelt and knew
The lives of patriot men;
When I could write, my pencil traced —
"A Nation Once Again."

I learnt of those who often knew
The baton and the cell,
Who asked for right by peaceful means —
O'Connell to Parnell.

And once when thro' the cheering streets
Some "felon" homeward came
I lit, amongst the gayer lights,
My candle's tiny flame.

When I was but a little child
I ran by Kickham's side;
I heard his bitter story told
In reverence and pride.

And when with years he passed away,
When life was young and fair,
I stood upon time's crowded path,
And met O'Leary there.

I saw with pity and amaze
A craven party go,
Obedient to a Scotsman's word,
For Parnell's overthrow.

Before Kilmainham's bloodstained walls
I stood all cold and still;
I lived through all the awful night
That shadowed Pentonville.

If thus o'er one life's blotted page
Some neutral soul should bend,
He'll read to-day — as yesterday —
The story without end.





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