Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TRANSFERABLE MERIT, by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TRANSFERABLE MERIT, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Angel of joy, know you the agony
Last Line: Angel of happiness, of joy and light.


ANGEL of joy, know you the agony,
The shame, remorse, sobs, sorrows infinite,
And the vague terrors of appalling night,
Which do the heart as crumpled paper try?
Angel of joy, know you the agony?

Angel of goodness, do you know the hate
The hands in darkness clenched, the tears of gall,
When vengeance utters its infernal call,
And o'er each thought rules in despotic state?
Angel of goodness, do you know the hate?

Angel of health, know you the fever fits
Which round wan hospitals' high precincts go,
As exiled wretches, with weak steps and slow,
Seek for the sun with lip that gapes and splits?
Angel of health, know you the fever fits?

Angel of beauty, know you scar and line,
And fear of hideous age, the poignant pain
Of loathing, which love strives to hide in vain,
In eyes, whence ours long time drank joys divine?
Angel of beauty, know you scar and line?

Angel of happiness, of joy and light,
David when dying would for health have prayed,
By effluence from your heavenly form conveyed;
I nought, bright angel, save your prayers invite,
Angel of happiness, of joy and light.





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