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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HELEN KELLER WITH A ROSE by FLORENCE EARLE COATES

Poem Explanation

First Line: OTHERS MAY SEE THEE; I BEHOLD THEE NOT
Last Line: BEAUTY FOR ONE AND ALL, GAVE FRAGRANCE FOR THE BLIND!
Subject(s): BEAUTY; FLOWERS; KELLER, HELEN (1880-1968); ROSES;

Others may see thee; I behold thee not,
Yet @3most@1 I think thee, beauteous blossom, mine:
For I, who walk in shade, like Proserpine --
Things once too briefly looked on, long forgot --
Seem by some tender miracle divine,
When breathing thee, apart,
To hold the rapturous summer warm within my heart.

We understand each other, thou and I!
Thy velvet petals laid against my cheek,
Thou feelest all the voiceless things I speak,
And to my yearning makest mute reply:
Yet a more special good of thee I seek,
For God who made -- oh, kind! --
Beauty for one and all, gave @3fragrance@1 for the blind!



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