Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, LINCOLN, by SILAS WEIR MITCHELL


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

LINCOLN, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Chained by stern duty to the rock of state
Last Line: Who always on earth's little ones hath smiled.
Subject(s): Lincoln, Abraham (1809-1865); Presidents, United States


CHAINED by stern duty to the rock of state,
His spirit armed in mail of rugged mirth,
Ever above, though ever near to earth,
Yet felt his heart the cruel tongues that sate
Base appetites, and foul with slander, wait
Till the keen lightnings bring the awful hour
When wounds and suffering shall give them power.
Most was he like to Luther, gay and great,
Solemn and mirthful, strong of heart and limb.
Tender and simple too; he was so near
To all things human that he cast out fear,
And, ever simpler, like a little child,
Lived in unconscious nearness unto Him
Who always on earth's little ones hath smiled.





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