Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SAY NOT, by ARTHUR HUGH CLOUGH


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SAY NOT, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Say not the struggle nought availeth
Last Line: But westward, look, the land is bright.
Variant Title(s): Courage;despondency Rebuked;the Incoming Tide;keeping On;hope
Subject(s): Consolation; Courage; Freedom; Hope; Perseverance; Religion; Valor; Bravery; Liberty; Optimism; Theology


Say not, the struggle nought availeth,
The labor and the wounds are vain,
The enemy faints not, nor faileth,
And as things have been they remain.

If hopes were dupes, fears may be liars;
It may be, in yon smoke concealed,
Your comrades chase e'en now the fliers,
And, but for you, possess the field.

For while the tired waves, vainly breaking,
Seem here no painful inch to gain,
Far back, through creeks and inlets making,
Came, silent, flooding in, the main.

And not by eastern windows only,
When daylight comes, comes in the light;
In front, the sun climbs slow, how slowly,
But westward, look, the land is bright.




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