Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BY-AND-BY, by ELLA WHEELER WILCOX


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BY-AND-BY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: By-and-by, the maiden sighed -- by-and-by
Last Line: Keep the promiscd by-and-by -- by-and-by?
Alternate Author Name(s): Wilson, Robert, Mrs.
Subject(s): Hope; Mothers; Soldiers; Time; War; Youth; Optimism


"By-and-by," the maiden sighed -- "by-and-by
He will claim me for his bride,
Hope is strong and time is fleet;
Youth is fair, and love is sweet.
Clouds will pass that fleck my sky.
He will come back by-and-by -- by-and-by."

"By-and-by," the soldier said -- "by-and-by,
After I have fought and bled,
I shall go home from the wars,
Crowned with glory, seamed with scars.
Joy will flash from some one's eye
When she greets me by-and-by -- by-and-by."

"By-and-by," the mother cried -- "by-and-by,
Strong and sturdy at my side,
Like a staff supporting me,
Will my bonnie baby be.
Break my rest, then, wail and cry --
Thou'lt repay me by-and-by -- by-and-by."

Fleeting years of time have sped -- hurried by --
Still the maiden is unwed;
All unknown the soldier lies,
Buried under alien skies;
And the son, with blood-shot eye
Saw his mother starve and die.
God in Heaven! dost Thou on high,
Keep the promiscd by-and-by -- by-and-by?





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