Why do I live to loath the cheerful day, <br />To shun the smiles of Fame, and mark the hours <br />On tardy pinions move, while ceaseless show'rs <br />Down my wan cheek in lucid currents stray? <br />My tresses all abound, nor gems display, <br />Nor scents Arabian! on my path no flow'rs <br />Imbibe the morn's resuscitating pow'rs, <br />For one blank sorrow, saddens all my way! <br />As slow the radiant Sun of reason rose, <br />Through tears my dying parents saw it shine; <br />A brother's frailties, swell'd the tide of woes,- <br />And, keener far, maternal griefs were mine! <br />Phaon! if soon these weary eyes shall close, <br />Oh! must that task, that mournful task, be thine?<br /><br />Mary Darby Robinson<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sonnet-xxi-why-do-i-live/
