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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WAIT by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: WE KNOW, O FALTERING HEART
Last Line: PRESS BRAVELY ON -- AND WAIT.
Subject(s): FLOWERS; HEARTS; NIGHT; WAITING; BEDTIME;

WE know, O faltering heart,
Thy need is great:
But weary is the way that leads to art,
And all who journey there must bear their part --
Must bear their part, and -- wait.

The way is wild and steep,
And desolate:
No flowers blossom there, nor lilies peep
Above the walls to warn you, as you weep,
With one white whisper -- "Wait."

You will find thorns, alas!
And keen as fate:
And, reaching from rank fens of withered grass,
Briers will clutch your feet, nor let you pass --
And you must wait -- must wait.

And though with failing sight
You see the gate
Of Promise locked and barred, with swarthy Night
Guarding the golden keys of morning-light, --
Press bravely on -- and wait.



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