Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: 5, 14 by FREDERICK GODDARD TUCKERMAN

First Line: AND ME MY WINTER'S TASK IS DRAWING OVER
Last Line: WAIT FOR THOSE DAYS, MY FRIEND, OR GET THEE FRESHER FLOWERS.

And me my winter's task is drawing over,
Though night and winter shake the drifted door.
Critic or friend, dispraiser or approver,
I come not now nor fain would offer more.
But when buds break and round the fallen limb
The wild weeds crowd in clusters and corymb,
When twilight rings with the red robin's plaint,
Let me give something--though my heart be faint--
To thee, my more than friend!--believer! lover!
The gust has fallen now, and all is mute--
Save pricking on the pane the sleety showers,
The clock that ticks like a belated foot,
Time's hurrying step, the twanging of the hours:
Wait for those days, my friend, or get thee fresher flowers.



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