Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: ANNE RUTLEDGE by EDGAR LEE MASTERS

Poet Analysis

First Line: OUT OF ME UNWORTHY AND UNKNOWN
Last Line: FROM THE DUST OF MY BOSOM!
Subject(s): DEATH; PATRIOTISM; RUTLEDGE, ANN (1813-1855); DEAD, THE;

Out of me unworthy and unknown
The vibrations of deathless music;
"With malice toward none, with charity for all."
Out of me the forgiveness of millions toward millions,
And the beneficent face of a nation
Shining with justice and truth.
I am Anne Rutledge who sleeps beneath these weeds,
Beloved in life of Abraham Lincoln,
Wedded to him, not through union,
But through separation.
Bloom forever, O Republic,
From the dust of my bosom!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net