Riley: He is not dead. He is just away
12 June 2010
I cannot say, and will not say
that he is dead. He is just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand,
he has wandered into an unknown land
he has wandered into an unknown land
and left us dreaming how very fair
it needs must be, since he lingers there.
it needs must be, since he lingers there.
And you-- oh, you, who the wildest yearn
for an old-time step, and the glad return,
for an old-time step, and the glad return,
think of him faring on, as dear
in the love of there as the love of here.
in the love of there as the love of here.
Think of him still as the same. I say,
he is not dead-- he is just away.
he is not dead-- he is just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand
he has wandered into an unknown land,
and left us dreaming how very fair
it needs must be, since he lingers there.
And you-- O you, who the wildest yearn
for the old-time step and the glad return--,
think of him faring on, as dear
in the love of There as the love of Here;
....
Think of him still as the same, I say:
He is not dead-- he is just away.
--James Whitcomb Riley (1849-1916). You can read the whole poem here.
It is the most beautiful poem. It help me go thru hard times, facing to lose my father
Thank you
Posted by: f marcy | 22 September 2011 at 19:59
to susan overhage,our dearest friend we hope this poem will help you through the day for it has always been special to us through a hard time. welove you and are with you everyday. love,nels & jean
Posted by: Jeanne Fors | 10 May 2013 at 16:27