Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WAIT, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

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First Line: We know, o faltering heart
Last Line: Press bravely on -- and wait.
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Flowers; Hearts; Night; Waiting; Bedtime


WE know, O faltering heart,
Thy need is great:
But weary is the way that leads to art,
And all who journey there must bear their part --
Must bear their part, and -- wait.

The way is wild and steep,
And desolate:
No flowers blossom there, nor lilies peep
Above the walls to warn you, as you weep,
With one white whisper -- "Wait."

You will find thorns, alas!
And keen as fate:
And, reaching from rank fens of withered grass,
Briers will clutch your feet, nor let you pass --
And you must wait -- must wait.

And though with failing sight
You see the gate
Of Promise locked and barred, with swarthy Night
Guarding the golden keys of morning-light, --
Press bravely on -- and wait.





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