The Happiest Day (1827)

by Edgar Allan Poe

(Original.)

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.⁠W. H. P.