Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PURGATORY, by FRANCOIS COPPEE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PURGATORY, by                    
First Line: I dreamed that I was dead
Last Line: "and live again—and she not love you!"
Subject(s): Purgatory


I dreamed that I was dead.
"In a most wretched state
Your impious soul"—the great voice said,
"Will live again to expiate."

"In October's yellow crest
That biting north winds stir,
Be the swallow without a nest."
"Thank you; I'll fly to her!"

"No! Be rather the lonely tree
And in the whirlwind's whir
Writhe with your foliage restlessly."
"So be it! Perchance I shall shelter her."

"Then, heart full of human love,
The stone on the highway you shall be,
That passing trucks may grind and shove."
"What matter? if her foot trample me."

"Insensate!" The voice rose to a roar;
"This be the last disposal of you:
You shall be a man once more
And live again—and she not love you!"





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