Classic and Contemporary Poetry
NORTHERN LIGHTS, by EINAR BENEDIKTSSON First Line: Was ever such vision to mortals sent Last Line: And silent the spirit presiding. Subject(s): Aurora Borealis; Northern Lights | ||||||||
WAS ever such vision to mortals sent As Northern Lights in the heavens flaming? The shoreline a golden archway framing. -- Who now is at drinking and cards content? -- The earth lies serene and on sleep intent Under a cover of roses decaying. Rare colors the grains of sand present. Where waters meet, there is a silver spraying. The north is aglow with an ornate show. Of Borealis' displaying. From the seventh heav'n to the ocean's rim, The suns hold a dance with the curtain lifted. And white-capped billows of light are shifted, Then break on a strand of shadows dim. An unseen hand directs at its whim This glittering round of streamers flowing. To regions of light from the darkness grim, All earth-life now turns with fervor growing. -- And a crystal gaze on the glowing haze The hoary cliffs bestowing. How base seem the issues and trifling the call That claims our life -- or we strive denying. Let mortals attack me with hatred defying, I now feel at peace with each creature small. So fair and immense is this vault over all -- And smiling the stars, though our hopes be arrested. The mind goes soaring, no heights appall -- Divine is the power through the dust manifested. We fathom our strength -- our rights are at length In the kingdom of light attested. How mighty an ocean the heavens bright -- And brave the vessels attempting the sailing. A haven they seek with courage unfailing, Whether they swerve or their course holds right; But none have beheld Him who gave us sight, Nor shown us the source of these marvels abiding. At the door of His temple, this glorious night, In homage they pray from their hearts confiding. But vainly they wait -- for locked is each gate, And silent the spirit presiding. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AN AURORA BOREALIS; ROSLIN CASTLE by DINAH MARIA MULOCK CRAIK AN AURORA BOREALIS by GEORGE CROLY NORTHERN LIGHTS by WILLIAM JAY SMITH NORTHERN LIGHTS by CARROLL RYAN THE NORTHERN LIGHTS by BENJAMIN FRANKLIN TAYLOR NORTHERN LIGHTS by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS CONTRA MORTEM: THE BEING AS MOMENT by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE LONESOME CHILD by KATHERINE MANSFIELD |
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