Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PROSE OR VERSE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: PROSE OR VERSE - OR VERSE OR PROSE?
Last Line: PROSE OR VERSE -- OR VERSE OR PROSE?
Subject(s): POETRY & POETS; WRITING & WRITERS;

PROSE or Verse -- or Verse or Prose?
Ever thus the query goes, --
Which delight do we prefer --
Which the finer -- daintier?

Each incites a zest that grows --
Prose or Verse -- or Verse or Prose? --
Each a lotus-eater's spell
Wholly irresistible.

All that wit may fashion, free-
Voiced, or piped in melody, --
Prose or Verse -- or Verse or Prose --
Which of these the mastery knows?

'Twere as wise to question, friend --
As of this alluring blend, --
The aroma or the rose? --
Prose or Verse -- or Verse or Prose?



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