... The speaker places himself in a felicity which he earned by abandoning the busy companies of men, mocked for toiling in order to win a garland of recognition, woven from the leaves of either the palm of a triumphant general, the oak of the public leaders or the bays of an artist. They could have the whole tree without so much activity and nervousness. The reward for inactivity are the ... their wine The nectarine and curious peach Into my hands themselves do reach Stumbling on melons as I pass Insnared with flowers I fall on grass Images of Eden: The tone changes from witty and paradoxi...

• Word Count: 1411
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School

... wall surrounds the house. Grey stone crouching gargoyle statues placed on tall pillars tower over the brick wall keeping guard over the property. Walking closer to the front of the house I can see the entrance, a rusty old gate fence covered in thick green vines which layer the entire brick wall and entwine the metal bars ... into the forest of weeds and bushes as he steps out onto the porch, dressed in a thick black raincoat, blacker than death itself. He is not old as I had expected, but a strong and powerful man. He looks around the yard and then walks back into the house. To my surpr...

• Word Count: 1432
• Approx Pages: 6
• Grade Level: High School