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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SHADOWS: 5 by RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES

Poet Analysis

First Line: TWOULD SEEM THE WORLD WERE LARGE ENOUGH TO HOLD
Last Line: IS LOST WITH THEE!
Subject(s): LOSS;

'Twould seem the world were large enough to hold
Both me and thee:
But now I find in space by thee controlled
No room for me.

We portioned all between us, as was fair;
That time is past;
And now I would recover my lost share,
Which still thou hast.

For that old love on which we both did live, --
Keep it who can!
Yet give me back the love I used to give
To God and man.

Give me my young ambition, -- my fresh fire
Of high emprize;
Give me the sweet indefinite desire
That lit mine eyes: --

Give me my sense of pleasure; -- give me all
My range of dreams;
Give me my power at sunset to recall
The noontide's beams;

If not my smiles, at least give back my tears,
And leave me free
To weep that all which man and nature cheers
Is lost with thee!



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