Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, DREAM-LIFE, by ADELAIDE ANNE PROCTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DREAM-LIFE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Listen, friend, and I will tell you
Last Line: And, indeed -- I never know.
Alternate Author Name(s): Berwick, Mary
Subject(s): Dreams; Grief; Life; Pain; Nightmares; Sorrow; Sadness; Suffering; Misery


LISTEN, friend, and I will tell you
Why I sometimes seem so glad,
Then, without a reason, changing,
Soon become so grave and sad.

Half my life I live a beggar,
Ragged, helpless, and alone;
But the other half a monarch,
With my courtiers round my throne.

Half my life is full of sorrow,
Half of joy, still fresh and new;
One of these lives is a fancy,
But the other one is true.

While I live and feast on gladness,
Still I feel the thought remain,
This must soon end, -- nearer, nearer,
Comes the life of grief and pain.

While I live a wretched beggar,
One bright hope my lot can cheer;
Soon, soon thou shalt have thy kingdom,
Brighter hours are drawing near.

So you see my life is twofold,
Half a pleasure, half a grief;
Thus all joy is somewhat tempered,
And all sorrow finds relief.

Which, you ask me, is the real life,
Which the dream, -- the joy, or woe?
Hush, friend! it is little matter,
And, indeed -- I never know.





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