Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FIRST LOVE, by JOHN CLARE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FIRST LOVE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I ne'er was struck befoe that hour / with love so sudden and so sweet
Last Line: And can return no more.
Subject(s): Desire; Love; Love - Beginnings


I ne'er was struck before that hour
With love so sudden and so sweet.
Her face it bloomed like a sweet flower
And stole my heart away complete.
My face turned pale as deadly pale,
My legs refused to walk away,
And when she looked "What could I ail?"
My life and all seemed turned to clay.
And then my blood rushed to my face
And took my eyesight quite away.
The trees and bushes round the place
Seemed midnight at noonday.
I could not see a single thing,
Words from my eyes did start;
They spoke as chords do from the string
And blood burnt round my heart.
Are flowers the winter's choice?
Is love's bed always snow?
She seemed to hear my silent voice
Not love's appeals to know.
I never saw so sweet a face
As that I stood before:
My heart has left its dwelling-place
And can return no more.






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