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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE GUDEWIFE by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: MY GUDEWIFE - SHE THAT IS TAE BE
Last Line: LUVE'S TAPMAIST-BUBBLIN' ECSTASY.
Subject(s): FACES; LOVE; MARRIAGE; WEDDINGS; HUSBANDS; WIVES;

MY gudewife -- she that is tae be --
O she sall seeme sang-sweete tae me
As her ain croon tuned wi' the chiel's
Or spinnin'-wheel's.
An' faire she'll be, an' saft, an' light,
An' muslin-bright
As her spick apron, jimpy laced
The-round her waiste. --
Yet aye as rosy sall she bloome
Intil the roome
(The where alike baith bake an' dine)
As a full-fine
Ripe rose, lang rinset wi' the raine,
Sun-kist againe,
Sall seate me at her table-spread,
White as her bread. --
Where I, sae kissen her for @3grace,@1
Sall see her face
Smudged, yet aye sweeter, for the bit
O' floure on it,
Whiles, witless, she sall sip wi' me
Luve's tapmaist-bubblin' ecstasy.



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