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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONGS OUT OF SORROW: MASTERY by SARA TEASDALE

Poet Analysis

First Line: I WOULD NOT HAVE A GOD COME IN
Last Line: In sole though feeble mastery
Subject(s): GRIEF; SORROW; SADNESS;

I would not have a god come in
To shield me suddenly from sin,
And set my house of life to rights;
Nor angels with bright burning wings
Ordering my earthly thoughts and things;
Rather my own frail guttering lights
Wind blown and nearly beaten out;
Rather the terror of the nights
And long, sick groping after doubt;
Rather be lost than let my soul
Slip vaguely from my own control --
Of my own spirit let me be
In sole though feeble mastery."



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