Death's Protest
Why dost thou shrink from my approach, O Man? Why dost thou ever flee in fear, and cling To my false rival, Life? I do but bring Thee rest and calm. Then wherefore dost thou ban And curse me? Since the forming of God's plan I have not hurt or harmed a mortal thing, I have bestowed sweet balm for every sting, And peace eternal for earth's stormy span. The wild mad prayers for comfort sent in vain To knock at the indifferent heart of Life, I, Death, have answered. Knowest thou not 'tis he, My cruel rival, who sends all thy pain And wears the soul out in unending strife? Why dost thou hold to him, then, spurning me?
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"Why dost thou shrink from my approach, O Man?..."
"Death's Protest" is a quintessential example of Ella Wheeler Wilcox's signature style... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...