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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ASHES TO ASHES by SARA TEASDALE

Poet Analysis

First Line: SHUT YOUR HEART, THOUGH IT BE LIKE A BURNING HOUSE
Last Line: TOO WHITE TO STAIN THE CLEAR COLD BLUE OF THE SKY.

Shut your heart, though it be like a burning house,
Keep it shut on the shuddering cries and the roar;
There is nothing new about this fire in your heart,
It has all gone on for long and long before.

In the course of things it will soon be over now,
In a little while they will see when they go by
The light wind blowing up the winnowed ashes
Too white to stain the clear cold blue of the sky.



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