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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WHILE WE MAY, by SARAH CHAUNCEY WOOLSEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The hands are such dear hands Last Line: There's such a little way to go. Alternate Author Name(s): Coolidge, Susan Subject(s): Memory | |||
THE hands are such dear hands; They are so full; they turn at our demands So often; they reach out, With trifles scarcely thought about, So many times; they do So many things for me, for you -- If their fond wills mistake, We well may bend, not break. They are such fond, frail lips That speak to us. Pray, if love strips Them of discretion many times, Or if they speak too slow, or quick, such crimes We may pass by; for we may see Days not far off when those small words may be Held not as slow, or quick, or out of place, but dear, Because the lips are no more here. They are such dear, familiar feet that go Along the path with ours, -- feet fast or slow, And trying to keep pace, -- if they mistake, Or tread upon some flower that we would take Upon our breast, or bruise some reed, Or crush poor Hope until it bleed, We may be mute, Not turning quickly to impute Grave fault; -- for they and we Have such a little way to go, -- can be Together such a little while along the way, We will be patient while we may. So many little faults we find, We see them; for not blind Is Love. We see them, but if you and I Perhaps remember them some by and by, They will not be Faults then -- grave faults to you and me, But just odd ways, -- mistakes, or even less, -- Remembrances to bless. Days change so many things, -- yes, hours, We see so differently in sun and showers. Mistaken words to-night May be so cherished by to-morrow's light. We may be patient; for we know There's such a little way to go. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MEMORY AS A HEARING AID by TONY HOAGLAND THE SAME QUESTION by JOHN HOLLANDER FORGET HOW TO REMEMBER HOW TO FORGET by JOHN HOLLANDER ON THAT SIDE by LAWRENCE JOSEPH MEMORY OF A PORCH by DONALD JUSTICE BEYOND THE HUNTING WOODS by DONALD JUSTICE WHEN by SARAH CHAUNCEY WOOLSEY |
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