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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONNETS TO MIRANDA: 14 by WILLIAM WATSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: TOO LONG I WEAR THIS MASK THAT I HAVE MADE
Last Line: BUT I AM PROUD AS YOU, MAGNIFICENT ONE!
Subject(s): LOVE; TRUTH;

TOO long I wear this mask that I have made, --
Rather, this woof of silken words, where each
Half shows me, half conceals: too long I teach
Truth to walk delicately in rich brocade,
And hide my heart, with cloth-of-gold arrayed.
I loved and love you -- here is simple speech;
I loved and love you, who are out of reach;
There, take my secret stripped of lace and braid.

But what avails it? You give ear to those
Who buzz and flutter betwixt you and the sun;
And I am too disdainful of my foes
To answer them. Their web is poorly spun,
And easily I could shatter it if I chose.
But I am proud as you, Magnificent One!



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