Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DORKIN'S NIGHT, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DORKIN'S NIGHT, by                    
First Line: "twas dorkin's night, and the house was a sight"
Last Line: For an actor can be but a man
Subject(s): Laughter;night;silence;tears; Bedtime


'Twas Dorkin's night, and the house was a sight,
It was packed from the floor to the roof;
His old friends were there, as they annually were
When their friendship was put to the proof;
And the welcoming shout, which from thousands rang out,
As their favourite came to the wing,
Convinced him he still could command them at will,
And their laughter or tears could bring.

But they knew not the pain in the poor player's breast
As he strutted and mimicked and smiled;
That while from his lips fell the mirth-giving jest,
He thought of his poor dying child.

The first act was o'er and a deafening roar
Of cheering went heartily round;
The second act passed, but alas! in the last,
Dorkin scarcely could utter a sound;
They saw with dismay he was spoiling the play,
It was plain there was something amiss;
And the unfeeling wit of the gods and the pit
Came at last to a palpable hiss.

He started! turned pale, and his form seemed to quail,
But he came to the footlights and spoke;
And the listening house was as still as a mouse,
When the silence he falt'ringly broke;
"My little one's dead; I had left him in bed,
Nearly gone when this drama began;
Yet I hoped he would live. You will surely forgive,
For an actor can be but a man."





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