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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A LIFE TERM, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: She was false, and he was true,
Last Line: Of the violet.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Kisses; Life; Murder; Prisons & Prisoners
First Line: She was false, and he was true,
Last Line: Of the violet.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Kisses; Life; Murder; Prisons & Prisoners
SHE was false, and he was true, --
Thus their lives were rent apart;
'Twas his dagger driven through
A mad rival's heart.
He was shut away. The moon
May not find him; nor the stars --
Nay, nor yet the sun of noon
Pierce his prison bars.
She was left -- again to sin --
Mistress of all siren arts:
The poor, soulless heroine
Of a hundred hearts!
Though she dare not think of him
Who believed her lies, and so
Sent a ghost adown the dim
Path she dreads to go, --
He, in fancy, smiling, sips
Of her kisses, purer yet
Than the dew upon the lips
Of the violet.
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