Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DESPAIR, by ADA CAMBRIDGE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DESPAIR, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Alone! Alone! No beacon, far or near
Last Line: O what is love, if we must part so soon?
Alternate Author Name(s): Cross, George, Mrs.
Subject(s): Despair


Alone! Alone! No beacon, far or near!
No chart, no compass, and no anchor stay!
Like melting fog, the mirage melts away
In all-surrounding darkness, void and clear,
Drifting, I spread vain hands, and vainly peer,
And vainly call for pilot -- weep and pray;
Beyond these limits not the faintest ray
Shows the distant coast whereto the lost may steer.

O what is Life, if we must hold it thus,
As wind-blown sparks hold momentary fire?
What are these gifts without the larger boon?
O what is Art, or Wealth, or Fame to us
Who scarce have time to know what we desire?
O what is Love, if we must part so soon?





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