Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FREEDOM, by MAXIMILIAN GOTTFRIED SCHENKENDORF Poet's Biography First Line: Freedom that I love Last Line: Was to thee most dear. Subject(s): Freedom; Nationalism - Germany; Liberty | ||||||||
Freedom that I love, Shining in my heart, Come now from above, Angel that thou art! To the world oppressed Wilt thou ne'er appear? Shall but stars be blessed With thy grace and cheer? In the forest gay When the trees are green, 'Neath the blooming spray, Freedom, thou art seen. Oh, what dear delight! Music fills the air, And thy secret might Thrills us everywhere-- When the rustling boughs Friendly greetings send, When we lovers' vows, Looks and kisses spend. But the heart aspires Upward evermore, And our high desires Toward heaven soar. From his simple kind Comes my rustic child, Shows his heart and mind To the world beguiled. For him gardens bloom, for him fields have grown, Even in the gloom Of a world of stone. Where within a breast Glows a God-sent flame-- Love with loyal zest For the ancient name, Where all men unite Valiantly to face Foes of honour's right-- There dwells freedom's race. Ramparts, brazen doors Still may bar the light, Yet the spirit soars Into regions bright. For the fathers' grave, For the church to fall And for dear ones--brave, True at freedom's call-- That indeed is light, Glowing rosy-red: Heroes' cheeks grow bright And more fair when dead. Toward us, oh, guide Heaven's grace, we pray; In our hearts reside --German hearts--to stay! Freedom sweet and fair, Trusting, void of fear, German nature e'er Was to thee most dear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVE THE WILD SWAN by ROBINSON JEFFERS AFTER TENNYSON by AMBROSE BIERCE QUARTET IN F MAJOR by WILLIAM MEREDITH CROSS THAT LINE by NAOMI SHIHAB NYE EMANCIPATION by ELIZABETH ALEXANDER SPRING GREETING TO THE FATHERLAND by MAXIMILIAN GOTTFRIED SCHENKENDORF |
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