Barter

Written by Sara Teasdale

Life has loveliness to sell,
All beautiful and splendid things,
Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
Soaring fire that sways and sings,
And children's faces looking up
Holding wonder like a cup.

Life has loveliness to sell,
Music like a curve of gold,
Scent of pine trees in the rain,
Eyes that love you, arms that hold,
And for your spirits still delight,
Holy thoughts that star the night.

Spend all you have on loveliness,
Buy it and never count the cost,
For one white shining hour of peace
Count many years of strife well lost,
And for a breath of ecstasy
Give all you have been, or could be.

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