Classic Poem

Chambers of Imagery Second Series

To MY PARENTS

Too many books of voiceless verse
I have piled up in all the years
Since in the first I set your names.
If I would even tell your claims
To love and all heart's-gratefulness
The barest sum would ask no less
Than all the poets' opening pages:
I bring no thought of praise or wages,
I would but tell my thankfulness
That in these later days of stress.
When life slackens and stints its range
And the world turns to loss and change,
We are all still together here
And I can set your names most dear,
Your names like presences benign,
Once more within a book of mine.