Classic Literature

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature

Read the works of Edgar Allan Poe.
More E-texts

The Happiest Day

by Edgar Allan Poe
(1809-1849)

The happiest day —the happiest hour
My seared and blighted heart hath known,
The highest hope of pride and power,
I feel hath flown.

Of power! said I? Yes! such I ween
But they have vanished long, alas!
The visions of my youth have been —
But let them pass.

And pride, what have I now with thee?
Another brow may ev'n inherit
The venom thou hast poured on me —
Be still my spirit!

The happiest day —the happiest hour
Mine eyes shall see —have ever seen,
The brightest glance of pride and power
I feel have been:

But were that hope of pride and power
Now offered with the pain
Ev'n then I felt —the brightest hour
I would not live again:

For on its wings was dark alloy
And as it fluttered —fell
An essence —powerful to destroy
A soul that knew it well.
###
More: Writer Directory | Book Reviews | Homework Help | E-texts | Timeline | Submit a Review |
New posts to the Literature: Classic forums:

Your Top 10 "Must Read" ListDo you prefer to join book club online?F. S. Fitzgerald

New posts to the Literature: Classic forums:

Your Top 10 "Must Read" ListDo you prefer to join book club online?F. S. Fitzgerald

Explore Classic Literature

More from About.com

Browse All About.com

Classic Literature

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Classic Literature

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.