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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET: 30 by GEORGE SANTAYANA

Poet Analysis

First Line: LET MY LIPS TOUCH THY LIPS, AND MY DESIRE
Last Line: TOLD THIS LATE WORLD THE LOVE THAT I HAVE LEARNED.
Subject(s): DESIRE;

Let my lips touch thy lips, and my desire
Contagious fever be, to set a-glow
The blood beneath thy whiter breast than snow --
Wonderful snow, that so can kindle fire!
Abandon to what gods in us conspire
Thy little wisdom, sweetest; for they know.
Is it not something that I love thee so?
Take that from life, ere death thine all require.
But no! Then would a mortal warmth disperse
That beauteous snow to water-drops, which, turned
To marble, had escaped the primal curse.
Be still a goddess, till my heart have burned
Its sacrifice before thee, and my verse
Told this late world the love that I have learned.



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