posted on 2024-04-23, 10:08authored byFirst World War Poetry Digital Archive Project Team
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?
History
Creator
Owen, Wilfred (1893-1918)
Date
1913-07
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
Type
Poem
Rights
The Estate of Wilfred Owen.
The Complete Poems and Fragments of Wilfred Owen edited by Jon Stallworthy first published by Chatto & Windus, 1983. Preliminaries, introductory, editorial matter, manuscripts and fragments omitted.