Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PURSUIT AND POSSESSION, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poet's Biography First Line: When I behold what pleasure is pursuit Last Line: Will-of-the-wisp, that I may still pursue! Subject(s): Life | ||||||||
WHEN I behold what pleasure is Pursuit, What life, what glorious eagerness it is; Then mark how full Possession falls from this, How fairer seems the blossom than the fruit-- I am perplext, and often stricken mute Wondering which attained the higher bliss, The winged insect, or the chrysalis It thrust aside with unreluctant foot. Spirit of verse, that still elud'st my art, Thou airy phantom that dost ever haunt me, O never, never rest upon my heart, If when I have thee I shall little want thee! Still flit away in moonlight, rain, and dew, Will-of-the-wisp, that I may still pursue! | Other Poems of Interest...INTERRUPTED MEDITATION by ROBERT HASS PRIVILEGE OF BEING by ROBERT HASS SEAWATER STIFFENS CLOTH by JANE HIRSHFIELD SAYING YES TO LIVING by DAVID IGNATOW THE WORLD IS SO DIFFICULT TO GIVE UP by DAVID IGNATOW |
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