Living

Claude Matthews

by James Whitcomb Riley 1849–1916

From The Old Soldier's Story (1915)

Living

Steadfastly from his childhood's earliest hour--
From simplest country life to state and power--
His worth has known advancement,--each new height
A newer glory in his fellow's sight.

So yet his happy fate--though mute the breath
Of thronging multitudes and thundrous cheers,--
Faith sees him raised still higher, through our tears,
By this divine promotion of his death.

MLA

Riley, James Whitcomb. “Claude Matthews.” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/riley/498/.

Chicago

Riley, James Whitcomb. “Claude Matthews.” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/riley/498/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by James Whitcomb Riley