His words were magic and his heart was true, <br />And everywhere he wandered he was blessed. <br />Out of all ancient men my childhood knew <br />I choose him and I mark him for the best. <br />Of all authoritative liars, too, <br />I crown him loveliest. <br /> <br />How fondly I remember the delight <br />That always glorified him in the spring; <br />The glorious profusion and the benedight <br />Profusion of his faith in everything! <br />He was a good old man, and it was right <br />That he should have his fling. <br /> <br />And often, underneath the apple trees, <br />When we suprised him in the summer time, <br />With what superb magnificence and ease <br />He sinned enough to make the day sublime! <br />And if he liked us there about his knees, <br />Truly it was no crime. <br /> <br />All summer long we loved him for the same <br />Perennial inspiration of his lies; <br />And when the russet wealth of autumn came, <br />There flew but fairer visions to our eyes-- <br />Multiple, tropical, winged with a feathery flame, <br />Like birds of paradise. <br /> <br />So to the sheltered end of many a year <br />He charmed the seasons out with pageantry <br />Wearing upon his forehead, with no fear, <br />The laurel of approved iniquity. <br />And every child who knew him, far or near, <br />Did love him faithfully.<br /><br />Edwin Arlington Robinson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/uncle-ananias/
