An Old Man To His Sleeping Young Bride Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis

Rhyme Scheme: ABACDADA AEAEFGFG HIIIDJDJ KIKIALAL MNMNDIDI

As when the old moon lighted by the tenderA
And radiant crescent of the new is seenB
And for a moment's space suggests the splendorA
Of what in its full prime it once has beenC
So on my waning years you cast the gloryD
Of youth and pleasure for a little hourA
And life again seems like an unread storyD
And joy and hope both stir me with their powerA
-
Can blooming June be fond of bleak DecemberA
I dare not wait to hear my heart replyE
I will forget the question and rememberA
Alone the priceless feast spread for mine eyeE
That radiant hair that flows across the pillowsF
Like shimmering sunbeams over drifts of snowG
Those heaving breasts like undulating billowsF
Whose dangers or delights but Love can knowG
-
That crimson mouth from which sly Cupid borrowedH
The pattern for his bow nor asked consentI
That smooth unruffled brow which has not sorrowedI
All these are mine should I not be contentI
Yet are these treasures mine or only lent meD
And who shall claim them when I pass awayJ
Oh jealous Fate to torture and torment meD
With thoughts like these in my too fleeting dayJ
-
For while I gained the prize which all were seekingK
And won you with the ardor of my questI
The bitter truth I know without your speakingK
You only let me love you at the bestI
E'en while I lean and count my riches overA
And view with gloating eyes your priceless charmsL
I know somewhere there dwells the unnamed loverA
Who yet shall clasp you willing in his armsL
-
And while my hands stray through your clustering tressesM
And while my lips are pressed upon your ownN
This unseen lover waits for such caressesM
As my poor hungering clay has never knownN
And when some day between you and your dutyD
A green grave lies his love shall make you gladI
And you shall crown him with your splendid beautyD
Ah God ah God 'tis this way men go madI

Ella Wheeler Wilcox



Rate:
(1)



Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme

Submit Spanish Translation
Submit German Translation
Submit French Translation


Write your comment about An Old Man To His Sleeping Young Bride poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox


 

Recent Interactions*

This poem was read 5 times,

This poem was added to the favorite list by 0 members,

This poem was voted by 0 members.

(* Interactions only in the last 7 days)

New Poems

Popular Poets