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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 53. WITHOUT HER by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT OF HER GLASS WITHOUT HER? THE BLANK GRAY
Last Line: SHEDS DOUBLED DARKNESS UP THE LABOURING HILL.
Subject(s): DESPAIR; LOVE - LOSS OF;

WHAT of her glass without her? The blank grey
There where the pool is blind of the moon's face.
Her dress without her? The tossed empty space
Of cloud-rack whence the moon has passed away.
Her paths without her? Day's appointed sway
Usurped by desolate night. Her pillowed place
Without her? Tears, ah me! for love's good grace,
And cold forgetfulness of night or day.

What of the heart without her? Nay, poor heart,
Of thee what word remains ere speech be still?
A wayfarer by barren ways and chill,
Steep ways and weary, without her thou art,
Where the long cloud, the long wood's counterpart,
Sheds doubled darkness up the labouring hill.



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