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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: 36 by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY

Poet Analysis

First Line: I SEE SO CLEARLY NOW MY SIMILAR YEARS
Last Line: AND I ABANDONED ON THE ULTIMATE HILL.

I see so clearly now my similar years
Renew each other, shod in rusty black,
Like one hack following another hack
In meaningless procession, dry of tears
Driven empty, lest the noses, sharp as shears,
Of gutter urchins at a hearse's back
Should sniff a man died friendless, and attack
With silly scorn his deaf, triumphant ears --

I see so clearly how my life must run,
One year behind another year, until
At length these bones that leap into the sun
Are lowered into the gravel and lie still,
I would at times the funeral were done
And I abandoned on the ultimate hill.



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