Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 48, by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 48, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Be still, my soul, be still; the arms you bear are brittle
Last Line: Oh why did I awake? When shall I sleep again?
Alternate Author Name(s): Housman, A. E.
Variant Title(s): Injustice
Subject(s): Injustice


Be still, my soul, be still; the arms you bear are brittle,
Earth and high heaven are fixt of old and founded
strong.

Think rather, - call to thought, if now you grieve a little,
The days when we had rest, O soul, for they were long.

Men loved unkindness then, but lightless in the quarry
I slept and saw not; tears fell down, I did not mourn;
Sweat ran and blood sprang out and I was never sorry:
Then it was well with me, in days ere I was born.

Now, and I muse for why and never find the reason,
I pace the earth, and drink the air, and feel the sun.
Be still, be still, my soul; it is but for a season:
Let us endure an hour and see injustice done.

Ay, look: high heaven and earth ail from the prime
foundation;
All thoughts to rive the heart are here, and all are vain:
Horror and scorn and hate and fear and indignation -
Oh why did I awake? when shall I sleep again?






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