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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VOLUNTARY FOR UNCALENDARED EASTERS by EDITH MATILDA THOMAS

First Line: SO MANY TIMES HAVE I BEEN DEAD
Last Line: BETWEEN TWO TREMULOUS-TAKEN BREATHS!

To T. S. J. Jr.

SO MANY times have I been dead,
So many times been buried -- yet
Each time the winter clod have shed,
And spring's great wonder-world have met.

By inner pang transpierced -- and done --
Sit tibi terra levis said --
Just there, the light again I won,
And life-to-life inherited!

"But, now, no more shall I arise!"
Each death I deemed the Great Surcease,
Spring's fire did touch my heart, my eyes,
And fire in me did straight release.

So many times this chanced to me --
So many, many little deaths,
The Last no more than space can be
Between two tremulous-taken breaths!




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