I, MY dear, was born to-day -- So all my jolly comrades say: They bring me music, wreaths, and mirth, And ask to celebrate my birth: Little, alas! my comrades know That I was born to pain and woe; To thy denial, to thy scorn, Better I had ne'er been born: I wish to die, even whilst I say -- 'I, my dear, was born to-day.' I, my dear, was born to-day: Shall I salute the rising ray, Well-spring of all my joy and woe? Clotilda, thou alone dost know. Shall the wreath surround my hair? Or shall the music please my ear? Shall I my comrades' mirth receive, And bless my birth, and wish to live? Then let me see great Venus chase Imperious anger from thy face; Then let me hear thee smiling say -- 'Thou, my dear, wert born to-day.' | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LAWYERS KNOW TOO MUCH by CARL SANDBURG TO MY MYRTLE [MIRTLE] by WILLIAM BLAKE FAREWELL TO LOVE by JOHN DONNE SOULS LAKE by ROBERT STUART FITZGERALD DEATH OF STONEWALL JACKSON by HENRY LYNDEN FLASH |