Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN YOUTH, by EVALEEN STEIN Poet's Biography
First Line: Not lips of mine have ever said
Last Line: O god, -- not, not for death!

NOT lips of mine have ever said:
"Would God that I were dead!"
Nay, cruel griefs! ye cannot break
My love of life; nor can ye make
Oblivion blest in any wise,
Nor death seem sweet for sorrow's sake.
Life! life! my every pulse outcries
For life, and love, and quickened breath,
O God, -- not, not for death!