'When late I viewed . . .'
Item
Title
'When late I viewed . . .'
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Creator
Owen, Wilfred (1893-1918)
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Abstract
When late I viewed the gardens of rich men,
Where throve my darling blossoms plenteously,
With others whose rare glories dazed my ken,
I was not teased with envious misery.
Enough for me to see and recognize;
Then bear away sweet names upon my tongue,
Scents in my breath, and colours in my eyes.
Their owners watch them die: I keep them young.
But when more spacious pleasances I trod,
And saw their thousand buds, but might not kiss
Though loving like a lover, sire, and God,
Sad was the yearning of my avarice.
The rich man gives his parting guest one bloom,
But God hath vouchsafed my meek longing---whom?
Where throve my darling blossoms plenteously,
With others whose rare glories dazed my ken,
I was not teased with envious misery.
Enough for me to see and recognize;
Then bear away sweet names upon my tongue,
Scents in my breath, and colours in my eyes.
Their owners watch them die: I keep them young.
But when more spacious pleasances I trod,
And saw their thousand buds, but might not kiss
Though loving like a lover, sire, and God,
Sad was the yearning of my avarice.
The rich man gives his parting guest one bloom,
But God hath vouchsafed my meek longing---whom?
Date
1913-07
1913-08
1913-08
Source
The Complete Poems and Fragments of Wilfred Owen edited by Jon Stallworthy first published by Chatto & Windus, 1983.
#45, CPF vol. 1, p. 69, vol. 2, p. 211
BL 1. 118
OEF/ELG; CL. 193
#45, CPF vol. 1, p. 69, vol. 2, p. 211
BL 1. 118
OEF/ELG; CL. 193
Type
Poem
