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A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

Water Lilies

Sara Teasdale

If you have forgotten water lilies floating
 On a dark lake among mountains in the afternoon shade,
If you have forgotten their wet, sleepy fragrance,
 Then you can return and not be afraid.

But if you remember, then turn away forever
 To the plains and the prairies where pools are far apart,
There you will not come at dusk on closing water lilies,
 And the shadow of mountains will not fall on your heart.
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From Flame and Shadow | Macmillian, 1920
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