Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DISAPPOINTMENT, by JANE BARLOW


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DISAPPOINTMENT, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: A twofold harm we hate in thy one name
Last Line: Blithe laughter in the mask-reft face of fear.
Subject(s): Disappointment


A TWOFOLD harm we hate in thy one name,
Thou who a bitter foe still enterest
At doors set wide to greet the longed-for guest;
A spy to track our hope the way she came,
And stab her at the goal; a juggler's game,
That tricks with least for most, and worst for best;
Spiller of o'er-brimming joy-cups; Fate's old jest:
A pleasure poisoned, and a frustrate fame.
Thus many speak thy blame, and none denies;
Yet some there be who dream that far from here
Men meet thee as they fare in friendlier guise:
Rued loss's gain, dawn-rose on midnight drear,
Swift guide through wonder-gates of rapt surmise,
Blithe laughter in the mask-reft face of Fear.




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