Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE WIFE-BLESSED, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WIFE-BLESSED, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: In youth he wrought, with eyes ablur
Last Line: As mother mary wore.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Blessings; Faces; Paintings And Painters; Tears; Youth


IN youth he wrought, with eyes ablur,
Lorn-faced and long of hair --
In youth -- in youth he painted her
A sister of the air --
Could clasp her not, but felt the stir
Of pinions everywhere.

She lured his gaze, in braver days,
And tranced him siren-wise;
And he did paint her, through a haze
Of sullen paradise,
With scars of kisses on her face
And embers in her eyes.

And now -- nor dream nor wild conceit --
Though faltering, as before --
Through tears he paints her, as is meet,
Tracing the dear face o'er
With lilied patience meek and sweet
As Mother Mary wore.





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