Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BEAUTY THAT IS NEVER OLD by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN BUFFETED AND BEATEN BY LIFE'S STORMS
Last Line: THE ONLY BEAUTY THAT IS NEVER OLD.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; HEARTS; LOVE;

When buffeted and beaten by life's storms,
When by the bitter cares of life oppressed,
I want no surer haven than your arms,
I want no sweeter heaven than your breast.

When over my life's way there falls the blight
Of sunless days, and nights of starless skies;
Enough for me, the calm and steadfast light
That softly shines within your loving eyes.

The world, for me, and all the world can hold
Is circled by your arms; for me there lies,
Within the lights and shadows of your eyes,
The only beauty that is never old.



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