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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO A FRIEND IMPRISONED IN GERMANY, by GEORGE SANTAYANA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: The young man's heart labours with many a birth
Last Line: Is sweet, and sweet the friendship of the dead.
Subject(s): Prisoners Of War; Friendship; Youth
First Line: The young man's heart labours with many a birth
Last Line: Is sweet, and sweet the friendship of the dead.
Subject(s): Prisoners Of War; Friendship; Youth
The young man's heart labours with many a birth
Of changeling beauty: his high torment is
To shadow forth the strange tempestuous bliss
Of deeds and wonders making glad the earth.
But sin is old, and custom, and the dearth
Of heavenly dew; and what we build amiss
The ivy mantles and the sunbeams kiss
Till, lo! we love it. What are fair dreams worth
Beside this homely joy? When youth is fled
Does laughter cease? 'Twixt storm and cruel storm
The shipwrecked's comfort is a crust of bread.
If love be shipwrecked too, a lovely form
Is lovely still. To smile and bow the head
Is sweet, and sweet the friendship of the dead.
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