Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

RESTRAINT by THEODORA BATES COGSWELL

First Line: FOR YOU I DARE NOT SPEAK THE PRAISES
Last Line: THAT YOU ARE COME!
Subject(s): HEARTS; LONGING; PRAISE;
For you I dare not speak the praises
I fain would say;
For others, the unburdened phrases
Spring light and gay.

But if for you I freed them, thronging --
And your ear heard --
Lo! you would read my secret longing
Through every word.

And so when poorer praise is ringing,
My lips are dumb;
But all the while my heart is singing
That you are come!



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