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1886–1950

COWARD

William Rose Benét

By her beauty stayed, by her love empowered, ( Coward! Coward! ) Take the honest light and pray for grace. Where her lightning struck, where her pureness flowered,

( Coward! Coward! ) Dare to see her face. Through the sea of lies — skies have always lowered!— ( Coward! Coward! )

Be she your horizon or your mist, Make straight on, though dawn be still undowered, ( Coward! Coward! ) Toward the timeless tryst.

One thing now you know for truth at least, One thing more than groan of witless beast, One thing more than jest at mumming feast, Pain is still increased, increased, increased

Marking life like milestones toward Love's East.

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COWARD · William Rose Benét · Poetry Cove