Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SHATTERED LUTE by ALICE MEYNELL

Poet Analysis

First Line: I TOUCHED THE HEART THAT LOVED ME AS A PLAYER
Last Line: WHOSE FINGERS STRAY UPON A SHATTERED LUTE.
Subject(s): LUTES;

I touched the heart that loved me as a player
Touches a lyre. Content with my poor skill,
No touch saves mine knew my beloved (and still
I thought at times: Is there no sweet lost air

Old loves could wake in him, I cannot share?)
O he alone, alone could so fulfill
My thoughts in sound to the measurement of my will.
He is gone, and silence takes me unaware.

The songs I knew not he resumes, set free
From my constraining love, alas for me!
His part in our tune goes with him; my part

Is locked in me for ever; I stand as mute
As one with vigorous music in his heart
Whose fingers stray upon a shattered lute.



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