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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE TOOTHACHE by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES

Poet Analysis

First Line: LAST NIGHT, THOUGH I HAD FIFTY SOULS
Last Line: I COULD NOT HELP CRY OUT -- 'THE DEVIL!'
Subject(s): TEETH; TOOTHACHES;

Last night, though I had fifty souls,
I had been bankrupt ere the day;
And all because this body slight
That ill maintained its spirit's light
Had made me swear my souls away;

Had sent them humming into hell:
And all because an ivory mite
Was by a nerve-surge pounded, bent,
And by fierce lightnings blasted, rent,
That made the force of Nature slight.

I never heard Love's voice sound harsh,
Until it sought to soothe this evil;
And when it said -- 'Pray, do not fret:
Be patient and -- sure cure -- forget,'
I could not help cry out -- 'The Devil!'



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