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Famous Perverseness Poems by Famous Poets

These are examples of famous Perverseness poems written by some of the greatest and most-well-known modern and classical poets. PoetrySoup is a great educational poetry resource of famous perverseness poems. These examples illustrate what a famous perverseness poem looks like and its form, scheme, or style (where appropriate).

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by Wilcox, Ella Wheeler
...elt my strength was giving out.

My foe looked on the while I ran; 
A scornful triumph lit his eyes. 
With that perverseness born in man 
I nerved myself, and won the prize.

All blinded by the crimson glow 
Of sin's disguise I tempted Fate. 
"I knew thy weakness!" sneered my foe, 
I saved myself, and balked his hate.

For half my blessings, half my gain, 
I needs must thank my trusty foe; 
Despite his envy and disdain, 
He serves me well wher'er I go....Read more of this...



by Milton, John
...to rebellious fight rallied their Powers, 
Insensate, hope conceiving from despair. 
In heavenly Spirits could such perverseness dwell? 
But to convince the proud what signs avail, 
Or wonders move the obdurate to relent? 
They, hardened more by what might most reclaim, 
Grieving to see his glory, at the sight 
Took envy; and, aspiring to his highth, 
Stood re-embattled fierce, by force or fraud 
Weening to prosper, and at length prevail 
Against God and Messiah, or to fa...Read more of this...

by Milton, John
...t fit mate, but such 
As some misfortune brings him, or mistake; 
Or whom he wishes most shall seldom gain 
Through her perverseness, but shall see her gained 
By a far worse; or, if she love, withheld 
By parents; or his happiest choice too late 
Shall meet, already linked and wedlock-bound 
To a fell adversary, his hate or shame: 
Which infinite calamity shall cause 
To human life, and houshold peace confound. 
He added not, and from her turned; but Eve, 
Not so repulse...Read more of this...

by Butler, Ellis Parker
...n with a speed divine
While the gay bells echo with peal on peal,
We may carol the praises of ruby wine;
But when, with perverseness most condign,
In the same harsh snowstorm, cold and keen,
My auto stops at the six-mile sign--
Then ho! For a gallon of gasoline!

ENVOY

When yacht or Coach Club fellows dine
We may carol the praises of ruby wine;
But when Automobile Clubmen convene
Then ho! For a gallon of gasoline!...Read more of this...

by Hardy, Thomas
...e this sky, these fields, these treen, 
 To trappings of the tomb!" 

 The Beldame then: "The fool and blind! 
Such mad perverseness who may apprehend?" - 
"Nay; there's no madness in it; thou shalt find 
 Thy law there," said her friend. 

 "When Hodge went forth 'twas to his Love, 
To make her, ere this eve, his wedded prize, 
And Earth, despite the heaviness above, 
 Was bright as Paradise. 

 "But I sent on my messenger, 
With cunning arrows poisonous and keen, 
T...Read more of this...



by Swift, Jonathan
...ouch of blame;
And when a friend in kindness tries
To show you where your error lies,
Conviction does but more incense;
Perverseness is your whole defence;
Truth, judgment, wit, give place to spite,
Regardless both of wrong and right;
Your virtues all suspended wait,
Till time has opened reason's gate;
And, what is worse, your passion bends
Its force against your nearest friends,
Which manners, decency, and pride,

Have taught from you the world to hide;
In vain; for see, you...Read more of this...

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