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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE COUNTRY EDITOR by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: A THOUGHTFUL BROW AND FACE
Last Line: GNAWETH HIS PEN AND GLARETH RABIDLY.
Subject(s): EDITORS;

A thoughtful brow and face -- of sallow hue,
But warm and welcome, as we find him there,
Throned in his old misnomered "easy chair,"
Scrawling a "leader," or a book-review;
Or staring through the roof for something new
With which to lift a wretched rival's hair,
Or blow some petty clique in empty air
And snap the party-ligaments in two.
A man he is deserving well of thee, --
So be compassionate -- yea, pay thy dues,
Nor pamper him withy spring-poetry,
But haul him wood, or something he can use;
And promptly act., nor tarry long when he
Gnaweth his pen and glareth rabidly.




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