Poem: “Phyllis” by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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American Literature – Children Books – American Poetry – Paul Laurence Dunbar – Poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar
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Phyllis

Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day,
Few are my years, but my griefs are not few,
Ever to youth should each day be a May-day,
Warm wind and rose-breath and diamonded dew—
Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day.

Oh for the sunlight that shines on a May-day!
Only the cloud hangeth over my life.
Love that should bring me youth’s happiest heyday
Brings me but seasons of sorrow and strife;
Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day.

Sunshine or shadow, or gold day or gray day,
Life must be lived as our destinies rule;
Leisure or labor or work day or play day—
Feasts for the famous and fun for the fool;
Phyllis, ah, Phyllis, my life is a gray day.

< < < A Confidence
Right’s Security > > >

American Literature – Children Books – American Poetry – Paul Laurence Dunbar – Poems by Paul Laurence Dunbar

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Phyllis

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