Oh, Love and Death go ever hand in hand, For poison lurks within the magic cup That Love to thirsty lips is lifting up; And those who tread the heavenly heights must stand Upon a dizzy verge. Love's stern command Summons to battle, wounds, and sudden death; No languorous whisper borne on perfumed breath, But ringing call to dare by sea and land. But Love brings every gift of joy and grace, Lightens the darkness, gives new life for old, And touches all things with her mystic wand, Like Midas turning all base things to gold, Making a temple every common place. For Love and Life go ever hand in hand. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE HAPPY LIFE OF A COUNTRY PARSON by ALEXANDER POPE A CHRISTMAS CAROL (2) by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI OUR LADY'S LULLABY by RICHARD ROWLANDS THE BIRD WITH THE COPPERY, KEEN CLAWS by WALLACE STEVENS WHEN YOU ARE OLD by WILLIAM BUTLER YEATS AGAMEMNON: CHORUS by AESCHYLUS ANNA BULLEN, ACT 1: SHORT CURSE by JOHN BANKS (17TH CENTURY-) |