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Thine Own
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To live and not be Thine Own,
Like Springtime is when birds are flown;
Or liberty in prison bars,
Or evening skies without the stars;
Like diamonds that are lusterless,
Or rest when there’s no weariness;
Like lovely flower that have no scent,
Or music when the sound is spent.

25 lines or fewer
Pre-1930
Nature

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FIND POEMS

Browse Poems
Browse Poets
Collections
Poetic Forms & Terms

COMPETING

What It’s Like to Compete
Watch Recitation Videos
Listen to Poems
Tips on Reciting

TEACHERS & ORGANIZERS

Teachers and Organizers
Lesson Plans
Organize a Competition
Judging a Competition
Download Logos and Graphics
NCTE and Common Core Standards

ABOUT

About Us
Rules & Eligibility
Key Dates: State and National Finals
State Contacts
Accessibility
FAQ
Competition Winners
Photo Galleries
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