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TO A.S., by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Where beams the sun the brightest
Last Line: Should cause such bitter woe?
Alternate Author Name(s): Bell, Ellis


Where beams the sun the brightest
In the noons of sweet July?
Where falls the snow the lightest
From bleak December's sky?

Where can the weary lay his head
And lay it safe the while
In a grave that never shuts its dead
From heaven's benignant smile?

Upon the earth in sunlight
Spring grass grows green and fair
But beneath the earth is midnight --
Eternal midnight there!

Then why lament that those we love
Escape Earth's dungeon Tomb?
As if the flowers that blow above
Could charm its undergloom --

From morning's faintest dawning
Till evening's deepest shade
Thou wilt not cease thy mourning
To know where she is laid;

But if to weep above her grave
Be such a priceless boon
Go, shed thy tears in Ocean's wave
And they will reach it soon.

Yet midst thy wild repining
Mad though that anguish be
Think heaven on her is shining
Even as it shines on thee --

With thy mind's vision pierce the Deep
Look how she rests below
And tell me why such blessed sleep
Should cause such bitter woe?





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