Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SORROW, MY SORROW, by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SORROW, MY SORROW, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Sorrow, my sorrow, I thought that you would be
Last Line: Beyond yourself you must abide with me.
Alternate Author Name(s): Howells, W. D.
Subject(s): Grief; Sorrow; Sadness


I

Sorrow, my sorrow, I thought that you would be
My faithful mate, and bear me company
While I should live, but now I find that you,
Like joy, and hope, and love, have left me too.

Sorrow, my sorrow, you have left me more
Forlorn than all the rest that went before;
For you were last to come and longest stay,
And you were dearest when you went away.
Sorrow, my treasured grief, my hoarded pain,
Where shall I turn to have you mine again?

II

Wherever there are other breasts that ache,
Wherever there are hearts are like to break,
Wherever there are hurts too hard to bear,
Turn and look for me, you shall find me there,
But not to take and have me for your own,
Or keep me, as you thought me, yours alone:
If you would have me as I used to be,
Beyond yourself you must abide with me.





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