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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

YOUTH AND BEAUTY by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I BOUGHT A DISHMOP -- / HAVING NO DAUGHTER
Last Line: TO HER FATHER.
I bought a dishmop --
having no daughter --
for they had twisted
fine ribbons of shining copper
about white twine
and made a tousled head
of it, fastened it
upon a turned ash stick
slender at the neck
straight, tall --
when tied upright
on the brass wallbracket
to be a light for me
and naked
as a girl should seem
to her father.



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