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1892–1953

Persuasion.

Edward Shanks

Still must your hands withhold your loveliness? Is your soul jealous of your body still? The fair white limbs beneath the clouding dress Are such hard forms as you alone could fill

With life and sweetness. Such a harmony Is yours as music and the thought expressed By the musician: have no rivalry Between your soul and the shape in which it's drest.

Kisses or words, both sensual, which shall be The burning symbol of the love we bear? My art is words, yours song, but still must we Be mute and songless, seeing how love is fair.

Both our known arts being useless, we must turn To love himself and his old practice learn.

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Persuasion. · Edward Shanks · Poetry Cove