Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WAR IS KIND: 18, by STEPHEN CRANE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WAR IS KIND: 18, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis    
First Line: In the night / grey heavy clouds muffled the valleys
Last Line: And the peaks looked toward god alone.
Variant Title(s): The Peaks
Subject(s): Mountains; Hills; Downs (great Britain)


IN the night
Gray, heavy clouds muffled the valleys,
And the peaks looked toward God alone.
"O Master, that movest the wind with a finger,
Humble, idle, futile peaks are we.
Grant that we may run swiftly across the world
To huddle in worship at Thy feet."

In the morning
A noise of men at work came the clear blue miles,
And the little black cities were apparent.
"O Master, that knowest the meaning of raindrops,
Humble, idle, futile peaks are we.
Give voice to us, we pray, O Lord,
That we may sing Thy goodness to the sun."

In the evening
The far valleys were sprinkled with tiny lights.
"O Master,
Thou that knowest the value of kings and birds,
Thou hast made us humble, idle, futile peaks.
Thou only needest eternal patience;
We bow to Thy wisdom, O Lord --
Humble, idle, futile peaks."

In the night
Gray, heavy clouds muffled the valleys,
And the peaks looked toward God alone.





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