THIS you shall owe me—that your soul shall keep Its bravery of childishness unmarred: Awake, in love's protection; and asleep, By not so much as dreams of treachery scarred. Falls, or a thistle-spike or a bee's sting, Quarrels, and such afflictions of our dust Shall pierce you; but no too-quick withering Shall age you in this heart that holds your trust. Here shall your young eyes weep away their woe, Your childish angers here shall have their way, Here your intent simplicity shall show The labours it rejoices to display, And here shall beat unharmed, in storms of glee, Your joyous and impetuous infancy. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE TWO WIVES by WILLIAM DEAN HOWELLS HIGH FLIGHT by JOHN GILLESPIE MAGEE JR. INLAND by EDNA ST. VINCENT MILLAY SONNET: 17. TO SIR HENRY VANE THE YOUNGER by JOHN MILTON ON THE VIRGINITY OF THE VIRGIN MARY AND JOHANNA SOUTHCOTT by WILLIAM BLAKE |