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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WHEN YOU ARE DEAD; A LOVER SPEAKS by LOUISE CHANDLER MOULTON

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN YOU ARE DEAD, MY DAINTY DEAR
Last Line: AND BURIED 'NEATH THE GRASS.
Subject(s): DEATH; DEAD, THE;

WHEN you are dead, my dainty dear,
And buried 'neath the grass,
Will something of you linger near,
And know me if I pass?

Last night you wore a wild, sweet rose,
To match your sweet, wild grace --
The only flower on earth that grows
I liken to your face.

I would that I that rose had been,
To bloom upon your breast!
One golden hour I should have seen --
What matter for the rest?

To-day you will not grant my prayer,
Or listen while I plead --
But when you dwell alone, down there,
It may be you will heed;

And then your silent heart will stir
With some divine, sweet thrill,
To know that I, your worshipper,
Through death am faithful still;

And something of you, lingering near,
May bless me if I pass --
When you are dead, my dainty dear,
And buried 'neath the grass.





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