Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PURSUIT AND POSSESSION, by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: When I behold what pleasure is pursuit Last Line: Will-of-the-wisp, that I may still pursue! Subject(s): Life | ||||||||
WHEN I behold what pleasure is Pursuit, What life, what glorious eagerness it is; Then mark how full Possession falls from this, How fairer seems the blossom than the fruit-- I am perplext, and often stricken mute Wondering which attained the higher bliss, The winged insect, or the chrysalis It thrust aside with unreluctant foot. Spirit of verse, that still elud'st my art, Thou airy phantom that dost ever haunt me, O never, never rest upon my heart, If when I have thee I shall little want thee! Still flit away in moonlight, rain, and dew, Will-of-the-wisp, that I may still pursue! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...PRIVILEGE OF BEING by ROBERT HASS SEAWATER STIFFENS CLOTH by JANE HIRSHFIELD SAYING YES TO LIVING by DAVID IGNATOW THE WORLD IS SO DIFFICULT TO GIVE UP by DAVID IGNATOW 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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