The Old Men
Old and alone, sit we, Caged, riddle-rid men; Lost to Earth's "Listen!" and "See!" Thought's "Wherefore?" and "When?" Only far memories stray Of a past once lovely, but now Wasted and faded away, Like green leaves from the bough. Vast broods the silence of night, The ruinous moon Lifts on our faces her light, Whence all dreaming is gone. We speak not; trembles each head; In their sockets our eyes are still; Desire as cold as the dead; Without wonder or will. And One, with a lanthorn, draws near, At clash with the moon in our eyes: "Where art thou?" he asks: "I am here," One by one we arise. And none lifts a hand to withhold A friend from the touch of that foe: Heart cries unto heart, "Thou art old!" Yet, reluctant, we go.
AI analysis available. Enable JavaScript to interact.
About this line
"Old and alone, sit we,..."
Walter De La Mare's contribution to classic is further solidified by the brilliance found in "The Old Men"... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...