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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNET by ANNA SEWARD

Poet Analysis

First Line: FROM A RIVED TREE, THAT STANDS BESIDE THE GRAVE
Last Line: AGHAST SHE STANDS, THE STATUE OF HER FEARS!
Subject(s): FEAR; FLOODS; LOVE - LOSS OF;

FROM a rived tree, that stands beside the grave
Of the self-slaughtered, to the misty moon
Calls the complaining owl in night's pale noon;
And from a hut, far on the hill, to rave
Is heard the ban-dog. With loud wave
The roused and turbid river surges down,
Swoll'n with the mountain-rains, and dimly shown
Appals the sense. -- Yet see! from yonder cave,
Her shelter in the recent stormy showers,
With anxious brow, a fond-expecting maid
Steals towards the flood! -- Alas! -- for now appears
Her lover's vacant boat! -- the broken oars
Roll down the tide! -- What images invade!
Aghast she stands, the statue of her fears!



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