Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 72. THE CHOICE (2), by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Watch thou and fear; to-morrow thou shalt die Last Line: Cover thy countenance, and watch, and fear. Alternate Author Name(s): Rossetti, Gabriel Charles Dante Subject(s): Love | ||||||||
WATCH thou and fear; to-morrow thou shalt die. Or art thou sure thou shalt have time for death? Is not the day which God's word promiseth To come man knows not when? In yonder sky, Now while we speak, the sun speeds forth: can I Or thou assure him of his goal? God's breath Even at this moment haply quickeneth The air to a flame; till spirits, always nigh Though screened and hid, shall walk the daylight here. And dost thou prate of all that man shall do? Canst thou, who hast but plagues, presume to be Glad in his gladness that comes after thee? Will his strength slay thy worm in Hell? Go to: Cover thy countenance, and watch, and fear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE INVENTION OF LOVE by MATTHEA HARVEY TWO VIEWS OF BUSON by ROBERT HASS A LOVE FOR FOUR VOICES: HOMAGE TO FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN by ANTHONY HECHT AN OFFERING FOR PATRICIA by ANTHONY HECHT LATE AFTERNOON: THE ONSLAUGHT OF LOVE by ANTHONY HECHT A SWEETENING ALL AROUND ME AS IT FALLS by JANE HIRSHFIELD FOUND' (FOR A PICTURE) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI |
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