Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A TIP TO POETS, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A TIP TO POETS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Though shakespeare and calm wordsworth loved it well
Last Line: Fie! Here's another sonnet for the fire!
Subject(s): Poetry & Poets


Though Shakespeare and calm Wordsworth loved it well,
Avoid the sonnet, follower of the muse! --
Though Milton joyed its supple grace to use,
And Petrarch formed it in a golden bell.
If coon-song or a limerick, -- 'tis well;
Nor ballads will the editor refuse;
But classic fair refinements he eschews.
Avoid the sonnet, for it will not sell!
Forget its ordered passion, and forget
The stately measured cadence of the lyre.
Assume the cap and bells, and learn to fret
Some banjo's crudely titillating wire.
What's art, what's beauty, when a man's in debt?
Fie! here's another sonnet for the fire!





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