Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WITH A BOOK, by LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WITH A BOOK, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: You fain would know the story of my life?
Last Line: Then turn these leaves, and you my soul shall know.
Alternate Author Name(s): Chandler, Ellen Louise
Subject(s): Books; Reading


YOU fain would know the story of my life?
Nay, then you shall divine it from my song --
The weariness of ever-baffled strife;
The Joy that fled, the Grief that lingers long;

The barren shore, laved by the bitter tide;
The vanity of all beneath the sun;
The longing, that Fate's mockery denied;
The triumph unachieved; the goal unwon;

The fleeting moments, vague and sweet and dear
As violets upon a grave that grow: --
Is not the whole vain story written here?
Then turn these leaves, and you my soul shall know.







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