Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IF THIS BE I by BLANCHE FINKLE GILE

First Line: I LOVE SUCH DIFFERENT THINGS NOW I AM OLD
Last Line: BUT HE WILL CHASE CLOUD-SHADOWS DOWN THE STREET.
Subject(s): AGING; LIFE; LOVE;
I love such different things now I am old,
Fine linens and thin china on my shelf,
And silken curtains hanging fold in fold,
If this be I, I do not know myself.

Can this be I who was so filled with fire,
So deeply and so violently attached
To Life; breathless and husky with desire,
Afraid that I would leave one portal latched.

Can this be I? My silver maple tree
Is corseted with ice and bent with sleet;
I say, "This must be I," my dog knows me,
But he will chase cloud-shadows down the street.



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