Death & Dying

The Lonely Dreamer

by W. H. Davies 1871–1940

From Foliage (1913)

Death & DyingArts & Sciences

He lives his lonely life, and when he dies
A thousand hearts maybe will utter sighs;
Because they liked his songs, and now their bird
Sleeps with his head beneath his wing, unheard.

But what kind hand will tend his grave, and bring
Those blossoms there, of which he used to sing?
Who'll kiss his mound, and wish the time would come
To lie with him inside that silent tomb?

And who'll forget the dreamer's skill, and shed
A tear because a loving heart is dead?
Heigh ho for gossip then, and common sighs--
And let his death bring tears in no one's eyes.

✦ ✦ ✦

A lonely poet will be sighed for by a thousand hearts when he dies, but no kind hand will tend his grave. The last line wishes that his death 'bring tears in no one's eyes'.

MLA

Davies, W. H. “The Lonely Dreamer.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_wh/6/.

Chicago

Davies, W. H. “The Lonely Dreamer.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/davies_wh/6/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by W. H. Davies