Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THREE STAGES: 3, by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THREE STAGES: 3, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: I thought to deal the death-stroke at a blow
Last Line: What once I gave, again.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina


I thought to deal the death-stroke at a blow,
To give all, once for all, but nevermore; --
Then sit to hear the low waves fret the shore,
Or watch the silent snow.

"Oh rest," I thought, "in silence and the dark;
Oh rest, if nothing else, from head to feet:
Thought I may see no more poppied wheat,
Or sunny soaring lark.

"These chimes are slow, but surely strike at last;
This sand is slow, but surely droppeth thro';
And much there is to suffer, much to do,
Before the time be past.

"So I will labour, but will not rejoice:
Will do and bear, but will not hope again;
Gone dead alike to pulses of quick pain,
And pleasure's counterpoise:"

I said so in my heart, and so I thought
My life would lapse; a tedious monotone:
I thought to shut myself, and dwell alone
Unseeking and unsought.

But first I tried, and then my care grew slack;
Till my heart slumbered, may-be wandered too: --
I felt the sunshine glow again, and knew
The swallow on its track;

All birds awoke to building in the leaves,
All buds awoke to fulness and sweet scent,
Ah, too, my heart woke unawares, intent
On fruitful harvest sheaves.

Full pulse of life, that I had deemed was dead,
Full throb of youth, that I had deemed at rest, --
Alas, I cannot build myself a nest,
I cannot crown my head.

With royal purple blossoms for the feast,
Nor flush with laughter, not exult in song; --
These joys may drift, as time now drifts along;
And cease, as once they ceased.

I may pursue, and yet may not attain,
Athirst and panting all the days I live:
Or seem to hold, yet nerve myself to give
What once I gave, again.






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