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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE WOODLAND GRAVE by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WE ROAM, MY LOVE AND I
Last Line: DEATH'S SHADOW STEALS 'TWIXT LOVE AND LIFE!

WE roam, my love and I,
'Mid the rich woodland grasses,
Where, through dense clouds of greenery,
The softened sunshine passes;
But near a rivulet's lonely wave
We come half startled, on -- a grave!

We pause, my love and I,
Each thinking, "@3Who@1 reposes
Here, in the forest tranquilly,
Beneath these sylvan roses?"
When, 'twixt the wild flowers' tangled flame,
Wind-parted, we beheld -- a name.

We mark, my love and I,
With thoughts that swiftly vary,
Of doubt, surprise, solemnity,
The flickering name of "Mary;"
My love's own name! -- but flickering @3there@1.
Each letter burns a hint of fear.

We shrink, my love and I,
Pierced by prescient sorrow,
"To think, my sweet! that @3thou@1 may'st die
To-night or else to-morrow!"
Each murmurs sadly, under breath:
"O love, malignly watched by death!"

We turn, my love and I,
From that strange grave together,
And o'er our spirits' darkened sky
Roll mists of mournful weather;
With boding grief our hearts are rife --
Death's shadow steals 'twixt love and life!



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