'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

This is a poem by Scottish writer and physician Arthur Conan Doyle. "Retrospect" explores the integrity and courage that comes with maturing, qualities which Doyle says are so much more "than golden dreams of youth."

Retrospect by Arthur Conan Doyle

There is a better thing, dear heart,
Than youthful flush or girlish grace.
There is the faith that never fails,
The courage in the danger place,
The duty seen, and duty done,
The heart that yearns for all in need,
The lady soul which could not stoop
To selfish thought or lowly deed.
All that we ever dreamed, dear wife,
Seems drab and common by the truth,
The sweet sad mellow things of life
Are more than golden dreams of youth.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

I really like that Anita. Thanks for sharing.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

I'm not really into poetry but I liked that Anita.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

It's a poem for those who have lived life and know what matters most.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

Ah I remembered this one Anita, there was a public house my brothers and me used regularly called the "Arthur Conan Doyle" it had a lot of pictures and posters on the walls and that poem was right in the corner where we used to sit. The pub is no longer there so it brings back many happy memories to me, thank you indeed.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

Was that in Dublin Jem?

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

Yes Anita, not far from where I live, an area called Phibsborough and the pub was situated on a busy corner aptly named “Doyles Corner”, no relation to Arthur but a very old pub originally owned by a John Doyle. The building is still there and it’s still a pub, but it’s not the same as it was, no more traditional music and craic, mainly dinners and the like.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

Lovely poem - thank you for sharing.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

I think it's a poem you can really connect with at our age. That's the type of poetry I like.

Re: 'Retrospect' By Arthur Conan Doyle

A new one for me.....I like it