Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DEATH, by PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DEATH, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: They die - the dead return not - misery
Last Line: These tombs, -- alone remain.
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


THEY die -- the dead return not. Misery
Sits near an open grave and calls them over,
A Youth with hoary hair and haggard eye.
They are the names of kindred, friend and lover,
Which he so feebly calls; they all are gone --
Fond wretch, all dead! those vacant names alone,
This most familiar scene, my pain,
These tombs, -- alone remain.

Misery, my sweetest friend, oh, weep no more!
Thou wilt not be consoled -- I wonder not!
For I have seen thee from thy dwelling's door
Watch the calm sunset with them, and this spot
Was even as bright and calm, but transitory, --
And now thy hopes are gone, thy hair is hoary;
This most familiar scene, my pain,
These tombs, -- alone remain.





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