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CESAR FRANCK, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: To grasp it; say that you have seized that hour
Last Line: And know death by his smile.
Subject(s): Franck, Cesar (1822-1890)


To grasp it; say that you have seized that hour
Choking with music like a bright smoke; say
That you have crushed it as you crush a flower
Because it dies today;

To breathe it in, a brilliant dizziness
Glittering, overwhelming, battering sense
Down, and beating in a radiant press
Of wings up to the tents

Of the pavilioned spirit! -- so you shall reach
The slow white width of peace, and for a while,
Even for a while, hear an exalted speech
And know Death by his smile.





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