Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN THE SHADOWS: 18, by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861)


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN THE SHADOWS: 18, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Wise in his day that heathen emperor
Last Line: A sweet removal, on my mother's breast.
Subject(s): Death; Dead, The


Wise in his day that heathen emperor,
To whom each morrow, came a slave, and cried,
"Philip, remember thou must die"; no more.
To me such daily voice were misapplied --
Disease guests with me; and each cough, or cramp,
Or aching, like the Macedonian slave,
Is my memento mori. 'T is the stamp
Of God's true life to be in dying brave.
"I fear not death, but dying" -- not the long
Hereafter, sweetened by immortal love;
But the quick, terrible last breath, -- the strong
Convulsion. Oh, my Lord of breath above!
Grant me a quiet end, in easeful rest, --
A sweet removal, on my mother's breast.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net