What+Makes+a+Good+Poem?

[|Eugene Onegin in English]

READ THE NEXT TWO POEMS: Which poem has more poetic merit? Explain. code A POISON TREE

I was angry with my friend: I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I told it not, my wrath did grow.

And I watered it in fears Night and morning with my tears, And I sunned it with smiles And with soft deceitful wiles.

And it grew both day and night, Till it bore an apple bright, And my foe beheld it shine, And he knew that it was mine,--

And into my garden stole When the night had veiled the pole; In the morning, glad, I see My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

code ** __ THE MOST VITAL THING __ **  // When you feel like saying something That you know you will regret, Or keenly feel and insult Not quite easy to forget, That’s the time to curb resentment And maintain a mental peace, For when your mind is tranquil All your ill-thoughts simply cease.

It is easy to be angry When defrauded or defied, To be peeved and disappointed If your wishes are denied; But to win a worthwhile battle Over selfishness and spite, You must learn to keep strict silence Though you know you’re in the right.

So keep your mental balance When confronted by a foe, Be it enemy in ambush, Or some danger that you know. If you are poised and tranquil When all around is strife, Be assured that you have mastered The most vital thing in life. //


 * Which is the better poem and why?**

SOME KEEP THE SABBATH GOING

Some keep the Sabbath going to Church-

I keep it, staying at Home-

With a Bobolink for a Chorister-

And an Orchard, for a Dome-Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice-

I just wear my Wings-

And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,

Our little Sexton-sings.God preaches, a noted Clergyman-

And the sermon is never long,

So instead of getting to Heaven, at least-

I'm going, all along.

MY CHURCH

My church has but one temple, Wide as the world is wide, Set with a million stars, Where a million hearts abide.

My church has no creed to bar A single brother man But says, "Come thou and worship" To every one who can.

My church has no roof nor walls, Nor floors save the beautiful sod -- For fear, I would seem to limit The love of the illimitable God. code

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