< The Complete Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar
For works with similar titles, see The Awakening.
THE AWAKENING
I did not know that life could be so sweet,
I did not know the hours could speed so fleet,
Till I knew you, and life was sweet again.
The days grew brief with love and lack of pain—
I was a slave a few short days ago,
The powers of Kings and Princes now I know;
I would not be again in bondage, save
I had your smile, the liberty I crave.
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This work was published before January 1, 1927, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.
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