Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AN ODE TO MUSIC: 13, by JAMES GATES PERCIVAL



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AN ODE TO MUSIC: 13, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: This prelude o'er, a solemn strain arose
Last Line: Quivering like lurid flames beneath the midnight sky.
Subject(s): Music & Musicians


This prelude o'er, a solemn strain arose,
As strayed thy fingers slowly o'er the wire;
How grand the diapason -- and its close,
As when to Heaven the organ notes aspire,
And through the gloomy aisle, the lofty nave,
Swell out the anthem pealing o'er the grave --
Low muttering thunders seemed to roar around,
And rising whirlwinds whispered in the ear;
The warrior started at the solemn sound,
Half drew his sword and slowly shook his spear;
The tiger couched and gazed with burning eye,
In horror growled, and lashed his waving tail;
The serpent rustled like the dying gale,
And bade his tongue in purple ardor fly,
Quivering like lurid flames beneath the midnight sky.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net