MORE THOUGHTS ON A DEAD CHILD

MORE THOUGHTS ON A DEAD CHILD

In Homage to Robert Bridges

The Poet Laureate Robert Bridges (1894-1930) was also a Physician at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Reading his poem ‘On a Dead Child ‘it is clear he was a very caring person. It is also likely that the child was his patient .I wonder what other thoughts Bridges may have had.

I tried so very hard. How I did strive
With all my hard learned knowledge all my practised skill
It was to no avail. Although I tried I failed. He was so ill
In spite of all I could not keep the little mite alive.

The many years of study devoted to acquire
The knowledge gleaned from many wise and learned men
The remedies and treatments practised over and again
To cure man’s afflictions I fervently aspire

Regardless: All my efforts were in vain
I failed in spite of all my skill. The little fellow was so ill
His trustful grieving parents thank me. They bear me no ill will
I know their lives will never be the same.