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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


METAMORPHOSIS IN ART by THOMAS STURGE MOORE

First Line: NO I WON'T,' SAID THE STONE
Last Line: "IS CONTENT TO LIE STILL!"
Subject(s): SCULPTURE & SCULPTORS;

"No I won't," said the stone
"All I am is my own."
But, see! tempered steel
Has struck from it chips!
Lo, ennobled! lo, graced,
Growth comes from this waste!
Till live have to feel
After lovelier lips,
Which triumphant in form
Though cold yet look warm!
"No sullen stone I;
Take all of me! all!" they cry;
"Though no touch can thrill me,
Nor passion unchill me,
From heart, mind, and eye
I claim an elation
Much nearer true bliss
Than is found in a kiss.
Rapt contemplation
Wherein the whole will
Is content to lie still!"



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