YOU fain would know the story of my life? Nay, then you shall divine it from my song -- The weariness of ever-baffled strife; The Joy that fled, the Grief that lingers long; The barren shore, laved by the bitter tide; The vanity of all beneath the sun; The longing, that Fate's mockery denied; The triumph unachieved; the goal unwon; The fleeting moments, vague and sweet and dear As violets upon a grave that grow: -- Is not the whole vain story written here? Then turn these leaves, and you my soul shall know. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EROS (1) by RALPH WALDO EMERSON TO AN INSECT by OLIVER WENDELL HOLMES LOVE IN THE VALLEY (VERSION A) by GEORGE MEREDITH SONNET: 9 by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY TO A DOG by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY PEACE AND SHEPHERD by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD LILIES: 4. BLOSSOMS ABOVE A TOMB by GEORGE BARLOW (1847-1913) UPON MY FATHERS SUDDEN & DANGEROUS SICKNESS by JOSEPH BEAUMONT |