Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WORDS FOR A PEAL OF CHRISTMAS BELLS, by THOMAS STURGE MOORE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WORDS FOR A PEAL OF CHRISTMAS BELLS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: What is there in this child
Last Line: Safe, tranquil, clear!
Alternate Author Name(s): Moore, T. Sturge
Subject(s): Christmas; Nativity, The


WHAT is there in this child
To drive Heaven's choirs wild,
Poor shepherds crazy?
Them to themselves he brings;
In full chime each heart rings;
Forgotten, foreknown things,
Though speechless, says he.

Hope fills this little flagon;
Charm to enthrall a dragon
Brims from his eyes.
Though busy men and idle
But smile and past him sidle,
Further than king can ride he'll
Follow who flies.

Has our world no more thrones
Vacated by fleshed bones?
But three kings kneeling?
Level with lives forlorn,
This day spring, like a morn
Crowned before it was born,
Westward comes stealing.

Through black clouds' rugged pother,
White-hot, keen sword-blades hover
In wrath..? In fear,
How hard hearts fight, ere they see
Between huge tempests, may be,
Like star shine out this baby,
Safe, tranquil, clear!





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