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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


YOUTH by GEORGE CABOT LODGE

First Line: IF I MUST DIE
Last Line: LET IT BUT BE THE TARRYING OF THE SUN.

IF I must die,
The earth is inarticulate to sing
The dirge I crave:
The sorrow of the murmur-laden wave,
The sea-born wind complaining 'neath the sky,
And round my head the waters' silver ring.

If I must live,
And feel the ashes of oblivion
About my soul,
Let life be fearful, let me feel the whole,
Despair, and face the sunrise -- if I grieve
Let it but be the tarrying of the sun.



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