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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
WHEN I AM DEAD, by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR Poet's Biography
First Line: When I am dead, o let it be
Last Line: Wilt watch beside that grave of mine.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Death; God; Graves; Rest; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones
First Line: When I am dead, o let it be
Last Line: Wilt watch beside that grave of mine.
Alternate Author Name(s): Dean
Subject(s): Death; God; Graves; Rest; Dead, The; Tombs; Tombstones
WHEN I am dead, O let it be,
Dear Lord! for blessed rest in Thee!
Then, though my ear had never known
The rapture of a loving tone,
Nor tender kisses prest my brow
When heart to heart gave holiest vow,
Nor fame's bewildering music stole
Like a sweet fever through my soul, —
I shall lie down as kings do lie,
In royal state and majesty;
Nor cedar need, nor purple fold,
Nor sculptured stone, nor fretted gold,
But find my silent chamber there
Than fairest couch of earth more fair,
For Thou, the King of kings, wilt spread
The pillow for my weary head.
And whether, where I rest alone,
Come foes to scorn or friends to moan,
I shall not heed them, — hid in joy
Nor friend can give nor foe alloy;
But peaceful sleep, as children slumber
Whose mother's thoughts the minutes number,
For Thou, the Lord, with love divine
Wilt watch beside that grave of mine.
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NOT TO BE DWELLED ON by HEATHER MCHUGH
ONE LAST DRAW OF THE PIPE by PAUL MULDOON
ETRUSCAN TOMB by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS
ENDING WITH A LINE FROM LEAR by MARVIN BELL
COLUMBUS DYING [MAY 20, 1506] by EDNA DEAN PROCTOR
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