In the last year I have learned How few men are worth my trust; I have seen the friend I loved Struck by death into the dust, And fears I never knew before Have knocked and knocked upon my door -- "I shall hope little and ask for less," I said, "There is no happiness." I have grown wise at last -- but how Can I hide the gleam on the willow-bough, Or keep the fragrance out of the rain Now that April is here again? When maples stand in a haze of fire What can I say to the old desire, What shall I do with the joy in me That is born out of agony? | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE BEAST OF BURDEN by MARIANNE MOORE AT THE WEDDING MARCH by GERARD MANLEY HOPKINS A COWBOY ALONE WITH HIS CONSCIENCE by JAMES BARTON ADAMS THE PLANTING by MARGARET LEE ASHLEY THE MODERN VERSION (TO A LUCY STONER) by BERTON BRALEY AN EPITAPH ON MY DEAR AUNT, MRS. ANN STANHOPE by CHARLES COTTON |