Edgar Allan Poe

The Happiest Day

The happiest day—the happiest hour,
My sear'd and blighted heart has known,
The brightest glance of pride and power
                                  I feel hath flown —


Of power, said I? Yes, such I ween —
But it has vanish'd—long alas!
The visions of my youth have been —
                                  But let them pass. —


And pride! what have I now with thee?
Another brow may e'en inherit
The venom thou hast pour'd on me:
                                  Be still my spirit.


The smile of love—soft friendship's charm —
Bright hope itself has fled at last,
'T will ne'er again my bosom warm—
                                  'Tis ever past.


The happiest day,—the happiest hour,
Mine eyes shall see,—have ever seen, —
The brightest glance of pride and power,
                                  I feel has been.⁠