There's a place I know where the birds swing low,
And wayward vines go roaming,
Where the lilacs nod, and a marble god
Is pale, in scented gloaming.
And at sunset there comes a lady fair
Whose eyes are deep with yearning.
By an old, old gate does the lady wait
Her own true love's returning.
But the days go by, and the lilacs die,
And trembling birds seek cover;
Yet the lady stands, with her long white hands
Held out to greet her lover.
And it's there she'll stay till the shadowy day
A monument they grave her.
She will always wait by the same old gate, —
The gate her true love gave her.
BY DOROTHY PARKER
IN
Poetry Foundation
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44837/song-in-a-minor-key
Why I chose this poem
Ms. Dorothy was a premie, like me… and I think there’s nothing minor about that.
Raised on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, Dorothy Parker built a career that was defined
by her wit and her incisive commentary on contemporary America. She was born two
months prematurely at her family’s summer home in West End, New Jersey. By the time
she was five, she had lost her mother; by age 20, she had also lost her father, a garment
manufacturer. She studied at Blessed Sacrament Convent School in New York City, and a finishing school, Miss Dana’s, in Morristown, New Jersey, but never received a high
school diploma. She supported herself as a pianist at a dance academy until entering
the world of magazine publishing.
Please, click on her name under the poem to read more about this resilient woman,
whose footprints still exist on earth’s surface, 1893–1967.
Thanks for reading
I wish you miracles.
- Adorned in Slumber Kisses - November 21, 2024
- Haiku: Alone Together - November 20, 2024
- A Little Sun Expands the Soul - November 19, 2024
Thanks for sharing her lovely poem and inspiring story.
I’m impressed with her too
Thanks, Sadje for reading and commenting
My pleasure
Very interesting poem. Very heart touch words write in poem.
Very well share you experience.
It pleases me to know, Raj. Thank you. Blessings to you and your family.
Thanks, Selma!
A beautiful share, Selma. Have a wonderful week 💕🙂
Forgive the delayed response, Harmony and know that I appreciate you. Blessings, dear one and may all your endeavors go smoothly. Happy holidays. xo
No apologies needed! Hugs 💕🙂
Thank you for sharing Dorothy’s poem and the article I read from the link you included. She was quite some lady, wasn’t she? A very inspiring poet. Xx 💖
Ellie, it pleases me enormously that you read and found the article inspiring. I appreciate you. Blessings on your week.
Beautiful poem Selma. Thanks for sharing! ❣️
Thanks for this Dottie offering. I like her poetry, but I’m in awe of her short stories. My copy of the Portable Dorothy Parker is nearly falling apart!
I learn something new from you always. Thanks so much. Blessings.
Of course, dear Cindy. It’s my pleasure, always. Happy last week in November.