My Friend

Ella Wheeler Wilcox 1855 (Janesville) – 1919



When first I looked upon the face of Pain
I shrank repelled, as one shrinks from a foe
Who stands with dagger poised, as for a blow.
I was in search of Pleasure and of Gain;
I turned aside to let him pass: in vain;
He looked straight in my eyes and would not go.
'Shake hands,' he said; 'our paths are one, and so
We must be comrades on the way, 'tis plain.'
I felt the firm clasp of his hand on mine;
Through all my veins it sent a strengthening glow.
I straightway linked my arm in his, and lo!
He led me forth to joys almost divine;
With God's great truths enriched me in the end:
And now I hold him as my dearest friend.

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Submitted on May 13, 2011

Modified on April 13, 2023

39 sec read
76

Quick analysis:

Scheme ABBAABBACBBCDD
Closest metre Iambic pentameter
Characters 619
Words 132
Stanzas 1
Stanza Lengths 14

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Ella Wheeler Wilcox was an American author and poet. more…

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