Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DEATH IMPORTUNED, by HOMER EUGENE MCMASTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DEATH IMPORTUNED, by                    
First Line: I implore thee, death, give one more day
Last Line: Dwell where life and I may still be one.
Subject(s): Death; Imaginary Conversations; Dead, The


I implore thee, Death, give one more day,
To tread the wonted path, and while away
The moments in wild pleasure's dance,
Before I am called away, and then, perchance,
Come this way no more; or time to meet
The true companions of the hearth and street,
And know their trust of me; stay the sand
That swiftly through the glass within my hand
Runs silently; and let me come and make
My peace with life ere I this journey take.

O Death, how unrelenting is thy face,
When thy stern mandate comes to leave this place
Of sweet content. Let me pass once more along
The road. Point the way, and raise a song
Of hope, within some faltering breast;
Smooth the couch; lead some one to higher life;
Struggle on through bitter grief and strife;
and conquer self, before I fall asleep,
The last long vigil of the night to keep.

O Death, I implore thee, once again,
Let me choose the better of these twain:
Whether to pledge the hour in brimming cup,
And drink the bitter dregs, and sup
The fated hemlock; or to win the fame
Of my fellowmen, and come with honored name
To sweet repose, and at the journey's end
My praise be sung by foe, as well as friend;
Then when, at last, thy timely summons comes,
Dwell where life and I may still be one.





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