Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE STRONG, by JOHN VANCE CHENEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE STRONG, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dost deem him weak that owns his strength is tried?
Last Line: A look, a moan, like that on ocean's shore.


DOST deem him weak that owns his strength is tried?
Nay, we may safely lean on him that grieves:
The pine has immemorially sighed,
The enduring poplar's are the trembling leaves.

To feel, and bow the head, is not to fear;
To cheat with jest -- that is the coward's art:
Beware the laugh that battles back the tear;
He's false to all that's traitor to his heart.

He of great deeds does grope amid the throng
Like him whose steps toward Dagon's temple bore;
There's ever something sad about the strong --
A look, a moan, like that on ocean's shore.





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