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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN MEMORIAM A.H.H.: 51 by ALFRED TENNYSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: DO WE INDEED DESIRE THE DEAD
Last Line: TO MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR US ALL.
Subject(s): DEATH; DEAD, THE;

Do we indeed desire the dead
Should still be near us at our side?
Is there no baseness we would hide?
No inner vileness that we dread?
Shall he for whose applause I strove,
I had such reverence for his blame,
See with clear eye some hidden shame,
And I be lessened in his love?
I wrong the grave with fear untrue:
Shall love be blamed for want or faith?
There must be wisdom with great Death:
The dead shall look me through and through.
Be near us when we climb or fall:
Ye watch, like God, the rolling hours
With larger other eyes than ours,
To make allowance for us all.



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