Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DEPARTED YOUTH, by HANNAH COWLEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DEPARTED YOUTH, by                    
First Line: What though the rosebuds from my cheek
Last Line: The mind to taste, the nerve to feel!
Alternate Author Name(s): Matilda, Anna; Parkhouse, Hannah
Subject(s): Aging


WHAT though the rosebuds from my cheek
Have faded all! which once so sleek
Spoke youth, and joy, and careless thought.
By guilt, or fear, or shame uncaught,
My soul, uninjured, still hath youth,
Its lively sense attests the truth!
Oh! I can wander yet, and taste
The beauties of the flowery waste,
The nightingale's deep swell can feel
Till to the eye a tear doth steal;
Rapt! gaze upon the gem-decked night,
Or mark the clear moon's gradual flight,
Whilst the bright river's rippled wave
Repeats the quivering beams she gave.
Nor yet does Painting strive in vain
To waken from its canvas plain
The lofty passions of the mind,
Or hint the sentiment refined:
To the sweet magic yet I bow,
As when youth decked my polished brow.
The chisel's lightest touch to trace
Through the pure form, or softened grace,
Is lent me still; I still admire,
And kindle at the Poet's fire --
Why Time! since these are left me still,
Of lesser thefts e'en take thy fill.
Yes, take all lustre from my eye,
And let the blithe carnation fly,
My tresses sprinkle o'er with snow,
That boasted once their auburn glow,
Break the slim form that was adored
By him so loved, my wedded lord;
But leave me, whilst all these you steal,
The mind to taste, the nerve to feel!





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