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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE FESTIVAL OF MEMORY by SAROJINI NAIDU

First Line: DOTH RAPTURE HOLD A FEAST
Last Line: THY SACRAMENT AND SHRINE.
Subject(s): DEATH; GRIEF; LOVE; MEMORY; DEAD, THE; SORROW; SADNESS;

DOTH rapture hold a feast,
Doth sorrow keep a fast
For Love's dear memory
Whose sweetness shall outlast
The changing winds of Time,
Secret and unsurpassed?

Shall I array my heart
In Love's vermeil attire?
O shall I fling my life
Like incense in Love's fire?
Weep unto sorrow's lute?
Dance unto rapture's lyre?

What know the world's triune
Of gifts so strange as this
Twin-nurtured boon of Love,
Deep agony and bliss,
Fulfilment and farewell
Concentred in a kiss?

No worship dost thou need,
O miracle divine!
Silence and song and tears
Delight and dreams are thine,
Who mak'st my burning soul
Thy sacrament and shrine.



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