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TO A POET
GIVE us one dream!—
One swift, authentic vision
Of perfect loveliness to snatch the breath:
One glimpse into unchartered realms elysian
Where never cometh death!
Sing us one song
Whose accent is immortal—
Enduring as the asphodel, the flower
That blooms unfading nigh to Hades' portal:
Sing us one song of power!
Brief, if you will,—
A word of life transforming:
A word hope's wearied vision to restore:
A vital word, our human heart-blood warming,
And . . . you need write no more!
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