Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE POET, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE POET, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: If thou indeed derive thy light from heaven
Last Line: Shine, poet! In thy place, and be content.
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets


IF thou indeed derive thy light from Heaven,
Then, to the measure of that heaven-born light,
Shine, Poet! in thy place, and be content: --
The stars pre-eminent in magnitude,
And they that from the zenith dart their beams,
(Visible though they be to half the earth,
Though half a sphere be conscious of their brightness)
Are yet of no diviner origin,
No purer essence, than the one that burns,
Like an untended watch-fire on the ridge
Of some dark mountain; or than those which seem
Humbly to hang, like twinkling winter lamps,
Among the branches of the leafless trees.
All are the undying offspring of one Sire:
Then, to the measure of the light vouchsafed,
Shine, Poet! in thy place, and be content.






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