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1849–1903

XVI

William Ernest Henley

The west a glory of green and red and gold, The magical drifts to north and eastward rolled, The shining sands, the still, transfigured sea, The wind so light it scarce begins to be,

As these long days unfold a flower, unfold Life's rose in me. Life's rose — life's rose! Red at my heart it glows — Glows and is glad, as in some quiet close

The sun's spoiled darlings their gay life renew! Only, the clement rain, the mothering dew, Daytide and night, all things that make the rose, Are you, dear — you!

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XVI · William Ernest Henley · Poetry Cove