Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE OPIUM-EATER (BEFORE TAKING A DOSE), by MARY TUCKER LAMBERT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE OPIUM-EATER (BEFORE TAKING A DOSE), by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Life's pathway to me is dreary
Last Line: A moment's rest, and peace of mind.
Alternate Author Name(s): Tucker, Mary Eliza Perine
Subject(s): Drugs & Drug Abuse; Narcotics; Opium; Cocaine; Crack; Heroin


LIFE'S pathway to me is dreary;
I am ill, and cold, and weary;
Would my lonely walk were done,
And my heavenly race begun!

Once all things to me were bright,
Things that now seem dark as night:
Is the darkness all within?
Dark without from inward sin?

The present dark; eyes dim with age
Can see no joy, save memory's page.
The present, future, ne'er can be
Bright as the past they once did see.

My hair is turning quite grey now;
I see some wrinkles on my brow;
My teeth -- they must be failng too, --
And corns are growing in my shoe.

I muffle up my aching face,
And pray from pangs a moment's grace.
Ah! now the misery seeks my head --
Would I were with the pangless dead!

There is a cure for pain and grief --
Come, Opium, come to my relief!
Soothed by thy influence, I shall find
A moment's rest, and peace of mind.







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