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1849–1916

LINES FOR AN ALBUM

James Whitcomb Riley

I would not trace the hackneyed phrase Of shallow words and empty praise, And prate of “peace” till one might think My foolish pen was drunk with ink.

Nor will I here the wish express Of “lasting love and happiness,” And “cloudless skies” — for after all “Into each life some rain must fall.”

— No. Keep the empty page below, In my remembrance, white as snow — Nor sigh to know the secret prayer My spirit hand has written there.

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LINES FOR AN ALBUM · James Whitcomb Riley · Poetry Cove