Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MY FOE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MY FOE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: My foe? You name yourself, then
Last Line: I wave a hand to you, my helpless friend.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Enemies; Friendship; Soul


MY Foe? You name yourself, then, -- I refuse
A term so dark to designate you by.
To me you are most kind and true; and I
Am grateful as the dust is for the dews
That brim the dusk, and falter, drip and ooze
From the dear darkness of the summer sky.
Vex not yourself for lack of moan or cry
Of mine. Not any harm, nor ache nor bruise
Could reach my soul through any stroke you fain
Might launch upon me, -- it were as the lance
Even of the lightning did it leap to rend
A ray of sunshine -- 'twould recoil again.
So, blessing you, with pitying countenance,
I wave a hand to you, my helpless friend.





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