Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, I CANNOT TELL, by PHOEBE CARY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

I CANNOT TELL, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Once, being charmed by thy smile
Last Line: If what I feel be love, or no!
Subject(s): Love


ONCE, being charmed by thy smile,
And listening to thy praises, such
As women, hearing all the while,
I think could never hear too much, --

I had a pleasing fantasy
Of souls that meet, and meeting blend,
And hearing that same dream from thee,
I said I loved thee, O my friend!

That was the flood-tide of my youth,
And now its calm waves backward flow;
I cannot tell if it were truth,
If what I feel be love, or no.

My days and nights pass pleasantly,
Serenely on my seasons glide,
And though I think and dream of thee,
I dream of many things beside.

Most eagerly thy praise is sought,
'T is sweet to meet, and sad to part;
But all my best and deepest thought
Is hidden from thee in my heart.

And still the while a charm or spell
Half holds, and will not let me go;
'T is strange, and yet I cannot tell
If what I feel be love, or no!





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