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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A VAIN SHADOW, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The world, - what a world, ah me
Last Line: As what is and passes away.
Alternate Author Name(s): Alleyne, Ellen; Rossetti, Christina
Subject(s): Earth; Vanity


THE world, -- what a world, ah me!
Mouldy, worm-eaten, grey:
Vain as a leaf from a tree,
As a fading day,
As veriest vanity,
As the froth and the spray
Of the hollow-billowed sea,
As what was and shall not be,
As what is and passes away.





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