Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FLOWER AND THORN, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: At shiraz, in a sultan's garden, stood Last Line: Seem to thee like may, dear! Subject(s): Flowers; Thorns | ||||||||
TO L. A. I. AT Shiraz, in a sultan's garden, stood A tree whereon a curious apple grew, One side like honey, and one side like rue. Thus sweet and bitter is the life of man, The sultan said, for thus together grow Bitter and sweet, but wherefore none may know. Herewith together you have flower and thorn, Both rose and brier, for thus together grow Bitter and sweet, but wherefore none may know. II. Take them and keep them, Silvery thorn and flower, Plucked just at random In the rosy weather -- Snowdrops and pansies, Sprigs of wayside heather, And five-leaved wild-rose Dead within an hour. Take them and keep them: Who can tell? some day, dear, (Though they be withered, Flower and thorn and blossom,) Held for an instant Up against thy bosom, They might make December Seem to thee like May, dear! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN A SPRING GROVE by WILLIAM ALLINGHAM EMBLEMS OF LOVE: 17. THE DIFFICULT ADVENTURE by PHILIP AYRES THE CROWN OF THORNS by ADA CAMBRIDGE COMPENSATION by JOSEPH SEAMON COTTER JR. BELOVED THORN by CHESTER ANDERS FEE THORNS OR ROSES by IRENE L. HANSING LILY AND ROSE by JOHANN GOTTFRIED VON HERDER THE CROWN OF THORNS by JESSE WILLIS JEFFERIS THE DRYNAN DHUN (BLACKTHORN) by ROBERT DWYER JOYCE AFTER THE RAIN by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH AN ALPINE PICTURE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH AN ODE ON THE UNVEILING OF THE SHAW MEMORIA BOSTON COMMON, MAY 31, 1897 by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH |
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