Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PAIN IN PLEASURE, by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PAIN IN PLEASURE, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: A thought ay like a flower upon mine heart
Last Line: And they will all prove sad enough to sting!
Subject(s): Pain; Suffering; Misery


A THOUGHT ay like a flower upon mine heart,
And drew around it other thoughts like bees
For multitude and thirst of sweetnesses;
Whereat rejoicing, I desired the art
Of the Greek whistler, who to wharf and mart
Could lure those insect swarms from orange-trees,
That I might hive with me such thoughts and please
My soul so, always. Foolish counterpart
Of a weak man's vain wishes! While I spoke,
The thought I called a flower grew nettle-rough,
The thoughts, called bees, stung me to festering:
Oh, entertain (cried Reason as she woke)
Your best and gladdest thoughts but long enough,
And they will all prove sad enough to sting!





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