Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FOR A SCHOOL REGISTER, by LEWIS MORRIS (1833-1907)


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FOR A SCHOOL REGISTER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Dear school, grey church, which dim years since I knew
Last Line: Link a bright future with a cherished past.
Subject(s): Schools; Students


DEAR school, grey church, which dim years since I knew,
The swift-paced years that hurry youth to age,
Fond memory turns with grateful eye to you,
And welcomes gladly this recording page.

For, tho', indeed, the vanished days show brief
Since I too, was a boy, ah me! how strong
The fence, how deep the gulf, which Time the thief
Broadens in hope to still the voice of song!

And they, my eager comrades, where are they?
Low lies how many a sunny boyish head,
Some in hot youth, and some grown sad and grey,
With hopes burnt out and aspirations dead!

And some beneath the tropic East sleep sound,
Some the Deep hides, and some the pathless West;
Mid lonely wolds, or loud streets surging round
Some toil with failing powers that long for rest.

And some have risen and gained the crown of life,
And some, their equals, missed the meed they sought;
On most there looms to-day an end of strife,
For most the play is played, the fight is fought.

But changeless still the minster towers, and still
Grey walls re-echo, as the careless race
Of young lives, hurrying onward, comes to fill
The ancient courts with Youth's pathetic grace.

Long may they come, for though relentless Fate
Aim her keen shafts sometimes, and sometimes send
Misfortune, still our Sherborne shall be great,
And he is wisest who awaits the end.

Long may she live to keep old memories green!
And still, while England stands unshattered, last!
And may this page which tells what she has been,
Link a bright Future with a cherished Past.





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