"Were I As Base" is a poem written by Alice Meynell in 1902. The poem explores the idea of being true to oneself and not conforming to societal expectations. The speaker of the poem laments that they are not as base or common as others, but rather strive to be something more refined and elevated. However, the poem suggests that this pursuit of refinement can lead to a lack of authenticity and a disconnection from one's true nature. I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
By Alice Meynell · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Classic Literature