Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LINES TO MY GRANDFATHER, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dear grandpapa, -- to be obedient
Last Line: Affectionate granddaughter.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Flowers; Grandparents; Love; Grandmothers; Grandfathers; Great Grandfathers; Great Grandmothers


Dear Grandpapa,
To be obedient,
I'll try and write a letter;
Which (as I hope you'll deem expedient)
Must serve for lack of better.

My muse of late was not prolific,
And sometimes I must feel
To make a verse a task terrific
Rather of woe than weal.

As I have met with no adventure
Of wonder and refulgence,
I must write plain things at a venture
And trust to your indulgence.

The apple-tree is showing
Its blossom of bright red
With a soft colour glowing
Upon its leafy bed.

The pear-tree's pure white blossom
Like stainless snow is seen;
And all earth's genial bosom
Is clothed with varied green.

The fragrant may is blooming,
The yellow cowslip blows;
Among its leaves entombing
Peeps forth the pale primrose.

The kingcup flowers and daisies
Are opening hard by;
And many another raises
Its head, to please and die.

I love the gay wild flowers
Waving in fresh spring air;
Give me uncultured bowers
Before the bright parterre!

And now my letter is concluded,
To do well I have striven;
And though news is well-nigh excluded,
I hope to be forgiven.

With love to all the beautiful,
And those who cannot slaughter,
I sign myself,
your dutiful,
Affectionate Granddaughter.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net