Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A SOLEMN MEDITATION, by WILLIAM SHENSTONE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A SOLEMN MEDITATION, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: What is this life, this active guest
Last Line: Surely, said I—life is a f—t!
Subject(s): Meditation


WHAT is this life, this active guest,
Which robs our peaceful clay of rest?
This trifle, which while we retain,
Causes inquietude and pain?
This breath, which we no sooner find,
Than in a moment 'tis resigned?
Whose momentary noise, when o'er,
Is never, never heard of more!
And even monarchs, when it ends,
Become offensive to their friends;
Emit a putrid noisome smell,
To those that loved 'em e'er so well!

Pond'ring these things within my heart,
Surely, said I—life is a f—t!





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