Standing beside an old toy cabinet, the speaker handles forgotten objects—chess pieces, toy guns, hoops, and a doll’s tea set. They stir up memories of a “golden child” who once served make-believe tea to her dolls and to the speaker. That child is now grown old, far away from those foolish, innocent years, caught up in adult life with its suffering and forgetfulness. The speaker hesitates over the tea-set box, half wanting to open it and half afraid it will be empty, as if the emptiness would confirm that the past is truly gone. The mood is heavy with nostalgia and helpless grief. By the end, thought itself stalls, and the speaker is left with only an overwhelming urge to weep.
The Toy Cabinet — Summary
By the old toy cabinet, I stand and turn over dusty things: Chessmen--card games--hoops and balls-- Toy rifles, helmets, swords, In the far corner A doll's tea-set in a box.
Where are you, golden child, Who gave tea to your dolls and me? The golden child is growing old, Further than Rome or Babylon From you have passed those foolish years. She lives--she suffers--she forgets.
By the old toy cabinet, I idly stand and awkwardly Finger the lock of the tea-set box. What matter--why should I look inside, Perhaps it is empty after all! Leave old things to the ghosts of old;
My stupid brain refuses thought, I am maddened with a desire to weep.