When I went to look at what had long been hidden, A jewel laid long ago in a secret place, I trembled, for I thought to see its dark deep fire -- But only a pinch of dust blew up in my face. I almost gave my life long ago for a thing That has gone to dust now, stinging my eyes -- It is strange how often a heart must be broken Before the years can make it wise. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...MAIDENHOOD by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 101. THE ONE HOPE by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI CALIBAN [ON THE ISLAND], FR. THE TEMPEST by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE SHEPHERD-BOY AND THE WOLF by AESOP DAWN by GEORGE LAWRENCE ANDREWS |