Harriet Monroe, ed. (1860–1936). The New Poetry: An Anthology. 1917.
The CupboardRobert Graves
From “Songs and Catches”
What’s in that cupboard, Mary?
Which cupboard, Mother dear?
The cupboard of red mahogany
With handles shining clear.
With shining crystal handles?
There’s nought inside but rags and jags
And yellow tallow candles.
Which cupboard, Mother mine?
That cupboard stands in your sunny chamber—
The silver corners shine.
But wool and thread and flax,
And bits of faded silk and velvet,
And candles of white wax.
And this time tell me true.
White clothes for an unborn baby, Mother—
But what’s the truth to you?