Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE FEAR by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: OFT HAVE I THOUGHT THE MUSE WAS DEAD
Last Line: EACH TIME YOU SLEEP AND DO NOT MOVE.
Subject(s): FEAR; MORTALITY;

Oft have I thought the Muse was dead,
Nor dreamed she ever needed sleep;
And as a mother, when she sees
Her child in slumber deep,
Wakes it, to see one sign of breath --
So did I think of my love's death.

Sleep, sleep, my love, and wake again,
And sing the sweeter for your rest;
I am too wise a parent now
To think each sleep the last --
That you are dead for ever, love,
Each time you sleep and do not move.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net