Rich, honored by my fellow citizens, <br />The father of many children, born of a noble mother, <br />All raised there <br />In the great mansion-house, at the edge of town. <br />Note the cedar tree on the lawn! <br />I sent all the boys to Ann Arbor, all of the girls to Rockford, <br />The while my life went on, getting more riches and honors -- <br />Resting under my cedar tree at evening. <br />The years went on. <br />I sent the girls to Europe; <br />I dowered them when married. <br />I gave the boys money to start in business. <br />They were strong children, promising as apples <br />Before the bitten places show. <br />But John fled the country in disgrace. <br />Jenny died in child-birth -- <br />I sat under my cedar tree. <br />Harry killed himself after a debauch, <br />Susan was divorced -- <br />I sat under my cedar tree. <br />Paul was invalided from over study, <br />Mary became a recluse at home for love of a man -- <br />I sat under my cedar tree. <br />All were gone, or broken-winged or devoured by life -- <br />I sat under my cedar tree. <br />My mate, the mother of them, was taken -- <br />I sat under my cedar tree, <br />Till ninety years were tolled. <br />O maternal Earth, which rocks the fallen leaf to sleep!<br /><br />Edgar Lee Masters<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/washington-mcneely/
