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Many Voices

by E. Nesbit

previous: POEM: FAITH

POEM: THE DEATH OF AGNES

Now that the sunlight dies in my eyes,
And the moonlight grows in my hair,
I who was never very wise,
Never was very fair,
Virgin and martyr all my life,
What has life left to give
Me - who was never mother nor wife,
Never got leave to live?

Nothing of life could I clasp or claim,
Nothing could steal or save.
So when you come to carve my name,
Give me life in my grave.
To keep me warm when I sleep alone
A lie is little to give;
Call me "Magdalen" on my stone,
Though I died and did not live.

Turn to the next chapter: POEM: IN TROUBLE