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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE POET'S CALENDAR: JANUARY by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW

Poet Analysis

First Line: JANUS AM I; OLDEST OF POTENTATES
Last Line: MY FIRES LIGHT UP THE HEARTHS AND HEARTS OF MEN.
Subject(s): JANUARY;

Janus am I; oldest of potentates;
Forward I look, and backward, and below
I count, as god of avenues and gates,
The years that through my portals come and go.
I block the roads, and drift the fields with snow;
I chase the wild-fowl from the frozen fen;
My frosts congeal the rivers in their flow,
My fires light up the hearths and hearts of men.




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