Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LIFE, by NAN TERRELL REED


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LIFE, by                    
First Line: They told me that life could be just what I made it
Last Line: Where is that gown I could fashion -- alone?


THEY TOLD ME that Life could be just what I made it --
Life could be fashioned and worn like a gown;
I, the designer; mine the decision
Whether to wear it with bonnet or crown.

And so I selected the prettiest pattern --
Life should be made of the rosiest hue --
Something unique, and a bit out of fashion,
One that perhaps would be chosen by few.

But other folks came and they leaned o'er my shoulder;
Somebody questioned the ultimate cost;
Somebody tangled the thread I was using;
One day I found that my scissors were lost.

And somebody claimed the material faded;
Somebody said I'd be tired ere 'twas worn;
Somebody's fingers, too pointed and spiteful,
Snatched at the cloth, and I saw it was torn.

Oh! somebody tried to do all of the sewing,
Wanting always to advise or condone.
Here is my life, the product of many;
Where is that gown I could fashion -- alone?





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