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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN THE SHADOWS: 21 by DAVID GRAY (1838-1861)

First Line: SOMETIMES, WHEN SUNSHINE AND BLUE SKY PREVAIL
Last Line: AND SINK INTO MY HABIT OF DESPAIR.
Subject(s): DESPAIR; SICKNESS; ILLNESS;

Sometimes, when sunshine and blue sky prevail --
When spent winds sleep, and, from the budding larch,
Small birds, with incomplete, vague sweetness, hail
The unconfirmed, yet quickening life of March, --
Then say I to myself, half-eased of care,
Toying with hope as with a maiden's token, --
"This glorious, invisible fresh air
Will clear my blood till the disease be broken."
But slowly, from the wild and infinite west,
Up-sails a cloud, full-charged with bitter sleet.
The omen gives my spirit deep unrest;
I fling aside the hope, as indiscreet, --
A false enchantment, treacherous and fair, --
And sink into my habit of despair.



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