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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

I BROKE THE SPELL THAT HELD ME LONG by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT

Poet Analysis

I broke the spell that held me long,
The dear, dear witchery of song.
I said, the poet's idle lore
Shall waste my prime of years no more,
For Poetry, though heavenly born,
Consorts with poverty and scorn.


I broke the spell-nor deemed its power
Could fetter me another hour.
Ah, thoughtless! how could I forget
Its causes were around me yet?
For wheresoe'er I looked, the while,
Was Nature's everlasting smile.


Still came and lingered on my sight
Of flowers and streams the bloom and light,
And glory of the stars and sun;-
And these and poetry are one.
They, ere the world had held me long,
Recalled me to the love of song.




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