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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO MOTHER MARYANNE by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: TO SEE THE INFINITE PITY OF THIS PLACE
Last Line: GUEST HOUSE, KALAWAO, MOLOKAI.
Subject(s): BEAUTY;

TO see the infinite pity of this place,
The mangled limb, the devastated face,
The innocent sufferer smiling at the rod --
A fool were tempted to deny his God.
He sees, he shrinks. But if he gaze again,
Lo, beauty springing from the breast of pain!
He marks the sisters on the mournful shores;
And even a fool is silent and adores.

GUEST HOUSE, KALAWAO, MOLOKAI.



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