Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LINES FOR AN ALBUM by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: I WOULD NOT TRACE THE HACKNEYED PHRASE
Last Line: MY SPIRIT HAND HAS WRITTEN THERE.
Subject(s): PEACE; PRAYER; WRITING & WRITERS;

I would not trace the hackneyed phrase
Of shallow words and empty praise,
And prate of "peace" till one might think
My foolish pen was drunk with ink.
Nor will I here the wish express
Of "lasting love and happiness,"
And "cloudless skies" -- for after all
"Into each life some rain must fall."
-- No. Keep the empty page below,
In my remembrance, white as snow --
Nor sigh to know the secret prayer
My spirit hand has written there.




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