The Old Arm-Chair Poem by Eliza Cook

The Old Arm-Chair

Rating: 2.7


I LOVE it, I love it ; and who shall dare
To chide me for loving that old Arm-chair ?
I've treasured it long as a sainted prize ;
I've bedewed it with tears, and embalmed it with sighs.
' Tis bound by a thousand bands to my heart ;
Not a tie will break, not a link will start.
Would ye learn the spell ? -- a mother sat there ;
And a sacred thing is that old Arm-chair.

In Childhood's hour I lingered near
The hallowed seat with listening ear ;
And gentle words that mother would give ;
To fit me to die, and teach me to live.
She told me shame would never betide,
With truth for my creed and God for my guide ;
She taught me to lisp my earliest prayer ;
As I knelt beside that old Arm-chair.

I sat and watched her many a day,
When her eye grew dim, and her locks were grey :
And I almost worshipped her when she smiled,
And turned from her Bible, to bless her child.
Years rolled on; but the last one sped--
My idol was shattered; my earth-star fled :
I learnt how much the heart can bear,
When I saw her die in that old Arm-chair.

'Tis past, 'tis past, but I gaze on it now
With quivering breath and throbbing brow :
'Twas there she nursed me ; 'twas there she died :
And Memory flows with lava tide.
Say it is folly, and deem me weak,
While the scalding drops start down my cheek ;
But I love it, I love it ; and cannot tear
My soul from a mother's old Arm-chair.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Vicky Iliaens 04 September 2017

waw! this one is just a top written emotion and a very speaking image, self explanatory but having depth and emotion so much more than some poems I read from this poet (?) , the sketch of this portrait is so refined and touchable yet untouchable how I can appreciate that, who cannot in fact I sometimes wonder. sad and yet so warm, tender, and a nice undertone that makes the sad here turn into a nice feeling. It could indeed set my emotions running,10!

1 0 Reply
Walterrean Salley 15 September 2014

Absolutely lovely. How precious a family keepsake. Very nostalgic.

2 0 Reply
Vicky Iliaens 04 September 2017

I can't disagree on that one! leave just two words out of this poem and still it will be catching you, touching loving!

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Eliza Cook

Eliza Cook

London Road / Southwark / England
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