Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN A NUTSHELL by HERMAN MELVILLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: TAKE A REEF, TAKE A REEF
Last Line: WILL FOREVER JOY'S POCKET BE PICKING!

Take a reef, take a reef
In your wisdom: be brief.
Well then -- well-a-day!
Wag the world how it may,
The knaves will be tricking
And fools still be kicking
And Grief, the sad thief
Will forever Joy's pocket be picking!



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