Emily Sparks

Where is my boy, my boy--
In what far part of the world?
The boy I loved best of all in the school?--
I, the teacher, the old maid, the virgin heart,
Who made them all my children.
Did I know my boy aright,
Thinking if him as spirit aflame,
Active, ever aspiring?
Oh, boy, boy, for whom I prayed and prayed
In many a watchful hour at night,
Do you remember that letter I wrote you
Of the beautiful love of Christ?
And whether you ever took it or not,
My boy, wherever you are,
Work for your soul's sake,
That all the clay of you, all of the dross of you,
May yield to the fire of you,
Till the fire is nothing but light!....
Nothing but light!

Questions for Emily Sparks:

1. What is the relationship between Emily Sparks and Reuben Pantier?
2. Why did Reuben have tears in his eyes?
3. How is Emily Sparks' name suggestive of her personality? Be specific.

EMILY SPARKS

This poem was perhaps based on Esther Sparks, his favorite grammar teacher.