Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TALISMAN by ARTHUR PETERSON

First Line: AH SURELY LOVERS FOOLISH ARE- / WHY SHOULD I KEEP THIS LITTLE BEAD?
Last Line: MY INNER LIFE FROM MANY A HARM!
Subject(s): MAGIC;

Ah surely lovers foolish are --
Why should I keep this little bead?
Though it has lain upon her breast,
What can it bring me that I need?

I held it then with musing hand --
A curious bead of scented wood;
But even as rose my words I felt
The presence of a spirit good.

I saw those dear eyes on me turned,
I heard again that sweet voice teach me;
My angel! who, from far or near,
At touch of this doth fly to reach me.

O science teaches wrong that scorns
Entirely magic rune and charm;
This talisman of mine shall save
My inner life from many a harm!



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