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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 42. HOPE OVERTAKEN by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI

Poet Analysis

First Line: I DEEMED THY GARMENTS, O MY HOPE, WERE GREY
Last Line: ALAS, CLING ROUND ME, FOR THE DAY IS DONE!
Subject(s): HOPE; OPTIMISM;

I DEEMED thy garments, O my Hope, were grey,
So far I viewed thee. Now the space between
Is passed at length; and garmented in green
Even as in days of yore thou stand'st to-day.
Ah God! and but for lingering dull dismay,
On all that road our footsteps erst had been
Even thus commingled, and our shadows seen
Blent on the hedgerows and the water-way.

O Hope of mine whose eyes are living love,
No eyes but hers,--O Love and Hope the same!--
Lean close to me, for now the sinking sun
That warmed our feet scarce gilds our hair above.
O hers thy voice and very hers thy name!
Alas, cling round me, for the day is done!



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