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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: 2 by GEORGE CABOT LODGE

First Line: WOULD I WERE HOPEFUL AS THE TENDER LEAVES
Last Line: MY JOURNEY ONWARD FOR THE JOURNEY'S SAKE!

Would I were hopeful as the tender leaves,
Would I were faithful as the myriad grass,
Kindling conviction in the ways I pass;
Would I believed as every flower believes!
The pale wheat springs and flowers, the golden sheaves
Serve in their turn -- the Earth's religion brings
Proof of the power and miracle of things,
That none are infidel and no thing grieves.
No thing in nature grieves and all things die;
Yea! from their burial Life is born anew:
O faithful grass of graves! -- perchance when I
Change to the earth's desire, my soul shall take
Thy lesson of faith and joy and still renew
My journey onward for the journey's sake!




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