Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 24, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE: 24, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Let the world's sharpness, like a clasping knife
Last Line: God only, who made us rich, can make us poor.
Subject(s): Love


LET the world's sharpness, like a clasping knife,
Shut in upon itself and do no harm
In this close hand of Love, now soft and warm,
And let us hear no sound of human strife
After the click of the shutting. Life to life --
I lean upon thee, Dear, without alarm,
And feel as safe as guarded by a charm
Against the stab of worldlings, who if rife
Are weak to injure. Very whitely still
The lilies of our lives may reassure
Their blossoms from their roots, accessible
Alone to heavenly dews that drop not fewer,
Growing straight, out of man's reach, on the hill.
God only, who made us rich, can make us poor.





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