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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE DESERTER by EDWARD ROWLAND SILL

First Line: BLINDEST AND MOST FRANTIC PRAYER
Last Line: "SEE THE WRETCH THAT DARED NOT LIVE!"
Subject(s): COURAGE; VALOR; BRAVERY;

BLINDEST and most frantic prayer,
Clutching at a senseless boon,
His that begs, in mad despair,
Death to come; -- he comes so soon!

Like a reveler that strains
Lip and throat to drink it up --
The last ruby that remains,
One red droplet in the cup,

Like a child that, sullen, mute,
Sulking spurns, with chin on breast,
Of the Tree of Life a fruit,
His gift of whom he is the guest,

Outcast on the thither shore,
Open scorn to him shall give
Souls that heavier burdens bore:
"See the wretch that dared not live!"



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