THIS you shall owe me—that your soul shall keep Its bravery of childishness unmarred: Awake, in love's protection; and asleep, By not so much as dreams of treachery scarred. Falls, or a thistle-spike or a bee's sting, Quarrels, and such afflictions of our dust Shall pierce you; but no too-quick withering Shall age you in this heart that holds your trust. Here shall your young eyes weep away their woe, Your childish angers here shall have their way, Here your intent simplicity shall show The labours it rejoices to display, And here shall beat unharmed, in storms of glee, Your joyous and impetuous infancy. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MORAL FABLES: THE FOX AND THE WOLF by AESOP POSTHUMOUS REMORSE by CHARLES BAUDELAIRE |