Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WATER LILIES by SARA TEASDALE

Poet Analysis

First Line: IF YOU HAVE FORGOTTEN WATER LILIES FLOATING
Last Line: AND THE SHADOW OF MOUNTAINS WILL NOT FALL ON YOUR HEART.
Subject(s): FLOWERS; LILIES;
If you have forgotten water lilies floating
On a dark lake among mountains in the afternoon shade,
If you have forgotten their wet, sleepy fragrance,
Then you can return and not be afraid.

But if you remember, then turn away forever
To the plains and the prairies where pools are far apart,
There you will not come at dusk on closing water lilies,
And the shadow of mountains will not fall on your heart.



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