Yes, Mary Ann, I Freely Grant by Amelia Alderson Opie

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Yes, Mary Ann, I Freely Grant
by
Amelia Alderson Opie

Yes, Mary Ann, I freely grant,

The charms of Henry's eyes I see;

But while I gaze, I something want,

I want those eyes -- to gaze on me.

And I allow, in Henry's heart

Not Envy's self a fault can see:

Yet still I must one wish impart,

I wish that heart -- to sigh for me.

This poem is in the public domain.

Amelia Opie (1769 - 1853) was an English writer who focused primarily on romance novels, but also produced poetry, short stories, plays, and nonfiction. She began writing in her teens, published extensively and, while critics rarely raved about her work, Amelia's books were very popular and allowed her to move comfortably in literary social circles. She once wrote that she liked to make people cry and, indeed, her fans looked forward to emotional upheaval from her novels. In the latter part of her life, Amelia became a Quaker, ultimately giving up her fiction career and devoting her time, instead, to charity work and traveling.

apersephone:
Thank you for the introduction to this poet!
Posted 12/16/2012 06:54 AM

KevinArnold:
Wonderful selection. An honest heart breaks through genres and generations. The 'carriage returns' between the lines emphasize the 'lineness' of the lines and give the living poem room to breathe.
Posted 12/09/2012 09:17 AM

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