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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A LIFE TERM by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHE WAS FALSE, AND HE WAS TRUE,
Last Line: OF THE VIOLET.
Subject(s): KISSES; LIFE; MURDER; PRISONS & PRISONERS;

SHE was false, and he was true, --
Thus their lives were rent apart;
'Twas his dagger driven through
A mad rival's heart.

He was shut away. The moon
May not find him; nor the stars --
Nay, nor yet the sun of noon
Pierce his prison bars.

She was left -- again to sin --
Mistress of all siren arts:
The poor, soulless heroine
Of a hundred hearts!

Though she dare not think of him
Who believed her lies, and so
Sent a ghost adown the dim
Path she dreads to go, --

He, in fancy, smiling, sips
Of her kisses, purer yet
Than the dew upon the lips
Of the violet.



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