Lyrics of Life (1909)/Thomas Bailey Aldrich

Previously published in The Writer (April 1907). This poem was not included in Mrs. Coates' collected Poems (1916, in 2 vols.).

761903Lyrics of Life — Thomas Bailey AldrichFlorence Earle Coates

1836-1907

We celebrate with pomp and pride
A Cromwell or a Wellington;
We venerate who, self-denied,
Earth's higher victories have won;
But through the all-remembering years,
We love who give us smiles and tears.


The voice that charmed us may grow still,
The poet cease to weave his spell:
Ascended to the skyey hill
Remote, where the immortals dwell,—
Time to our thought but more endears
Who gave us smiles and gave us tears.