Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, A WOMAN'S DREAM, by MARCELINE DESBORDES-VALMORE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A WOMAN'S DREAM, by                    
First Line: Wilt thou begin thy life once more
Last Line: "nay! Pitying saviour! Let me die."
Subject(s): Aging; Time; Youth


"Wilt thou begin thy life once more,
Woman, whose hair will soon be white?
Would'st thou thy childhood, as of yore
Flushed by its guardian angel's light?
Rocked in a cradle to repose,
Wilt thou thy mother's kisses greet?"
"Yes! my lost Eden's gates unclose!
Ah yes, my God! It was so sweet!"

"Trained by thy father's tender care,
Wilt thou love purity and truth,
Diffusing round thee everywhere
The fragrant innocence of youth?
Wilt thou to life's enchanting prime
Fly back with joy on pinion fleet?"
"Would it might last a longer time!
Ah yes, my God! It was so sweet!"

"Wilt thou thine ignorance resume,
And spell life's alphabet anew?
When hopes, like stars, thy path illume,
Canst thou forget the storms that blew?
Wouldst thou have back thy blossoms gay,
The doves that fluttered to thy call?"
"All but the gravestones by the way—
O gracious God! restore them all!"

"Have then whate'er thy heart may crave—
Thy doves, thy blossoms, and thy song—
Time's stream with melancholy wave
Will reach the Vale of Tears ere long!
Love thou hast felt—to Love return—
Too frail its madness to defy."
"Must I again with passion burn?
Nay! pitying Saviour! let me die."





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