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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WISDOM COMETH WITH THE YEARS by COUNTEE CULLEN

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: NOW I AM YOUNG AND CREDULOUS
Last Line: THE BARREN DAYS COME, TOO.
Subject(s): AGING; WISDOM;
Now I am young and credulous,
My heart is quick to bleed
At courage in the tremulous,
Slow sprouting of a seed.

Now I am young and sensitive,
Man's lack can stab me through;
I own no stitch I would not give
To him that asked me to.

Now I am young and a fool for love,
My blood goes mad to see
A brown girl pass me like a dove
That flies melodiously.

Let me be lavish of my tears,
And dream that false is true;
Though wisdom cometh with the years,
The barren days come, too.



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