Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LINES FOR AN ALBUM, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LINES FOR AN ALBUM, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I would not trace the hackneyed phrase
Last Line: My spirit hand has written there.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Peace; Prayer; Writing & Writers


I would not trace the hackneyed phrase
Of shallow words and empty praise,
And prate of "peace" till one might think
My foolish pen was drunk with ink.
Nor will I here the wish express
Of "lasting love and happiness,"
And "cloudless skies" -- for after all
"Into each life some rain must fall."
-- No. Keep the empty page below,
In my remembrance, white as snow --
Nor sigh to know the secret prayer
My spirit hand has written there.






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