Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE COMPLAINT, by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE COMPLAINT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The village spoke: you come again
Last Line: "I answered, ""all my ways led here."
Alternate Author Name(s): Blunden, Edmund


THE village spoke: "You come again,
You left me for a world of men.
Tell,
How you feel now my former spell?"

And I: "Sweet simpleton, old home --
Much charged, with puzzled heart I come;
Still,
I think you are the nonpareil."

At that a breeze, a sigh was heard,
And thus the traveller caught the word,
"Child,
Love's just and gentle; love you smiled;

But was it not my creed and dream
To fit you for a mightier theme?
Proud
You stepped away to join the crowd.

And since, what hills, what skies you've known,
What streets of strength, what speaking stone!
More,
The drama of terrestrial war;

And love the Atlantis, far and near,
And genius brightening sphere on sphere,
Bounds
That only seemed thought's pleasure-grounds.

Thence come you with this accent dim,
With eyes that gaze till the tears brim?
I
But look, how small and poor I lie."

The sunny grass danced on the wall,
The smithy clanged, old Jesse Hall
Flung
His jacket off, and scythed and sung;

From school the hungry youngsters rushed,
The caravan passed, the mill sluice gushed.
"Dear,"
I answered, "all my ways led here."





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