Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SILENCES, by ARTHUR WILLIAM EDGAR O'SHAUGHNESSY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Tis a world of silences. I gave a cry Last Line: With even a sigh. Alternate Author Name(s): O'shaughnessy, Arthur W. E. Subject(s): Grief; Silence; Sorrow; Sadness | ||||||||
'T IS a world of silences. I gave a cry In the first sorrow my heart could not withstand; I saw men pause, and listen, and look sad, As though no answer in their hearts they had; Some turn'd away, some came and took my hand, For all reply. I stood beside a grave. Years had pass'd by; Sick with unanswer'd life I turn'd to death, And whisper'd all my question to the grave, And watch'd the flowers desolately wave, And grass stir on it with a fitful breath, For all reply. I rais'd my eyes to heaven; my prayer went high Into the luminous mystery of the blue; My thought of God was purer than a flame, And God it seem'd a little nearer came, Then pass'd; and greater still the silence grew, For all reply. But you! If I can speak before I die, I spoke to you with all my soul, and when I look at you 't is still my soul you see. Oh, in your heart was there no word for me? All would have answer'd had you answer'd then With even a sigh. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONOMA FIRE by JANE HIRSHFIELD AS THE SPARKS FLY UPWARDS by JOHN HOLLANDER WHAT GREAT GRIEF HAS MADE THE EMPRESS MUTE by JUNE JORDAN CHAMBER MUSIC: 19 by JAMES JOYCE DIRGE AT THE END OF THE WOODS by LEONIE ADAMS |
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