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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THEY SAY - . by JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER

Poet Analysis

First Line: THEY SAY I HAVE A CONSTANT HEART, WHO KNOW
Last Line: SERVICE TO ALL OF BEAUTY -- AND HER DUE.
Subject(s): BEAUTY; HEARTS; LIGHT;

THEY say I have a constant heart, who know
Not anything of how it turns and yields
First here, first there; nor how in separate fields
It runs to reap and then remains to sow;
How, with quick worship, it will bend and glow
Before a line of song, an antique vase,
Evening at sea; or in a well-loved face
Seek and find all that Beauty can bestow.

Yet they do well who name it with a name,
For all its rash surrenders call it true.
Though many lamps be lit, yet flame is flame;
The sun can show the way, a candle too.
The tribute to each fragment is the same
Service to all of Beauty -- and her due.



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