The Answer

by Sara Teasdale

　　

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When I go back to earth And all my joyous body Puts off the red and white That once had been so proud, If men should pass above With false and feeble pity, My dust will find a voice To answer them aloud: "Be still, I am content, Take back your poor compassion Joy was a flame in me Too steady to destroy. Lithe as a bending reed Loving the storm that sways her I found more joy in sorrow Than you could find in joy."

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