Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, PROSE OR VERSE, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

PROSE OR VERSE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Prose or verse - or verse or prose?
Last Line: Prose or verse -- or verse or prose?
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Writing & Writers


PROSE or Verse -- or Verse or Prose?
Ever thus the query goes, --
Which delight do we prefer --
Which the finer -- daintier?

Each incites a zest that grows --
Prose or Verse -- or Verse or Prose? --
Each a lotus-eater's spell
Wholly irresistible.

All that wit may fashion, free-
Voiced, or piped in melody, --
Prose or Verse -- or Verse or Prose --
Which of these the mastery knows?

'Twere as wise to question, friend --
As of this alluring blend, --
The aroma or the rose? --
Prose or Verse -- or Verse or Prose?





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