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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN SAN MARCO, VENEZIA by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I FOR WHOM THE WORLD IS A CLEAR STREAM
Last Line: ALL WASTE THE VERY MESH I HOLD SUPREME.
Subject(s): VENICE, ITALY;
I for whom the world is a clear stream
Of Beauty's holding, -- fashioned to reflect
Her loveliness; a hollow cave perfect
In echo, that her voice meet full esteem,

Around me here are arching walls gold-decked,
Of her grey children breathing forth their praise,
I am an outcast, too strange to but raise
One least harmonious whisper of respect.

I am wild, uncouth; before the dream
Thou givest me I stand weak in amaze,
Or dare I lift one hand to serve, it lays
All waste the very mesh I hold supreme.



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