Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GRAVE OF A SUICIDE, by ALFRED TENNYSON


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THE GRAVE OF A SUICIDE, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hark! How the gale, in mournful notes and stern
Last Line: The quivering lip, proclaim the rest too well!
Alternate Author Name(s): Tennyson, Lord Alfred; Tennyson, 1st Baron; Tennyson Of Aldworth And Farringford, Baron
Subject(s): Summer


HARK! how the gale, in mournful notes and stern,
Sighs thro' yon grove of aged oaks, that wave
(While down these solitary walks I turn)
Their mingled branches o'er yon lonely grave!

Poor soul! the dawning of thy life was dim;
Frown'd the dark clouds upon thy natal day;
Soon rose thy cup of sorrow to the brim,
And hope itself but shed a doubtful ray.

That hope had fled, and all within was gloom;
That hope had fled -- thy woe to phrenzy grew;
For thou, wed to misery from the womb --
Scarce one bright scene thy night of darkness knew!

Oft when the moon-beam on the cold bank sleeps,
Where 'neath the dewy turf thy form is laid,
In silent woe thy wretched mother weeps,
By this lone tomb, and by this oak-tree's shade.

'Oh! softly tread: in death he slumbers here;
'T is here,' she cries, 'within his narrow cell!' --
The bitter sob, the wildly-starting tear,
The quivering lip, proclaim the rest too well!







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