Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE NOVICE, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I love one and he loveth me Last Line: And shadowy branches wave. Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina Subject(s): Death; Life; Love; Nature; Dead, The | ||||||||
I love one, and he loveth me: Who sayeth this? who deemeth this? And is this thought a cause of bliss, Or source of misery? The loved may die, or he may change: And if he die thou art bereft; Or if he alter, nought is left Save life that seemeth strange. A weary life, a hopeless life, Full of all ill and fear-oppressed; A weary life that looks for rest Alone after death's strife. And love's joy hath no quiet even; It evermore is variable. Its gladness is like war in Hell, More than repose in Heaven. Yea, it is as a poison cup That holds one quick fire-draught within; For when the life seems to begin The slow death looketh up. Then bring me to a solitude Where love may neither come nor go; Where very peaceful waters flow, And roots are found for food; Where the wild honey-bee booms by; And trees and bushes freely give Ripe fruit and nuts; there I would live, And there I fain would die. There Autumn leaves may make my grave, And little birds sing over it; And there cool twilight winds may flit And shadowy branches wave. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A FRIEND KILLED IN THE WAR by ANTHONY HECHT FOR JAMES MERRILL: AN ADIEU by ANTHONY HECHT TARANTULA: OR THE DANCE OF DEATH by ANTHONY HECHT CHAMPS D?ÇÖHONNEUR by ERNEST HEMINGWAY NOTE TO REALITY by TONY HOAGLAND IT IS FINISHED' by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI ITALIA, IO TI SALUTO!' by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI THE HEART KNOWETH ITS OWN BITTERNESS' (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |
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