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1850–1919

FOUND

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Found — as I rushed through the great world's mart, In a race for gold and a pleasure quest, A passionate, throbbing human heart Suddenly found in my breast.

I had always laughed at the foolish word; I had said aloud in my boasting glee, That never a heart in my bosom stirred, That my brain governed me.

I was proud with the sense of my might and power ‘ It is will, not heart that wins,’ I said. But I suddenly found one sad, strange hour That the strength of my will had fled.

For up in my breast there rose supreme A strong man's heart, and all on fire: Drunk with the wine of a wild, sweet dream, And tortured with desire.

It is tossed with hope, and fear, and doubt, It is mad with the fever of love's unrest, I wish to God I could pluck it out — This heart I found in my breast.

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FOUND · Ella Wheeler Wilcox · Poetry Cove