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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO AN AUTOGRAPH FIEND by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER

First Line: OH, WHAT'S IN A NAME? THERE IS LITTLE I WEAN
Last Line: AND HEREWITH INSCRIBE MY POOR NAME WITH THE REST.

Oh, "What's in a name?" There is little I ween,
In my autograph wherever 'tis seen,
When compared with the names of the men who have made
Success of their labors in tasks they've essayed.
You can conjure with theirs, and the world will applaud,
But mine's only known to myself and my God.
Yet I hope and aspire to carve bold and strong
A niche in the future by rhythmical song,
And mayhap, my friend, posterity's fame
Will accord its bright lustre to me and my name.
So in hope of that day my own I'll append
To the long list of poets which ne'er seems to end.
I feel honored, I'm sure, by your kind request,
And herewith inscribe my poor name with the rest.



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