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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG OF PARTING by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: SAY FAREWELL, AND LET ME GO
Last Line: SAY FAREWELL, AND LET ME GO.
Subject(s): FAREWELL; LOVE - LOSS OF; SINGING & SINGERS; PARTING;

SAY farewell, and let me go:
Shatter every vow!
All the future can bestow
Will be welcome now!
And if this fair hand I touch
I have worshiped overmuch,
It was my mistake -- and so,
Say farewell, and let me go.

Say farewell, and let me go:
Murmur no regret,
Stay your tear-drops ere they flow --
Do not waste them yet!
They might pour as pours the rain,
And not wash away the pain: --
I have tried them and I know. --
Say farewell, and let me go.

Say farewell, and let me go:
Think me not untrue --
True as truth is, even so
I am true to you!
If the ghost of love may stay
Where my fond heart dies to-day,
I am with you alway -- so,
Say farewell, and let me go.



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