Classic and Contemporary Poetry
IOWA COMMUNITY, by ROBERT STUHR First Line: All these houses huddled in the valley Last Line: We'll look back over a life well done. Subject(s): Iowa | ||||||||
TO BE SAID ALOUD IN EARLY EVENING All these houses huddled in the valley Are sending up incense to the great god of winter. And I think I can tell by the smoke that goes up, Who it was that has kindled the fire. That thin blue splinter is the widow Bloom's, She kindles her fire with sticks and twigs gathered in the yard where the wind blows them down. And that steady gray stream belongs to old farmer Dorn. His daughter is home from the city And his idea of hospitality Is putting more fuel on the fire. Black, and thick as chocolate pudding Is the smoke that comes from the banker's house. Whatever faults the banker may have, He's not stingy with his smoke. All these houses huddled in the valley Are sending up incense to the great god of winter, And I think I can tell by the smoke that goes up, Who it was that has kindled the fire. TO BE SUNG AT A SQUARE DANCE He ate from linen with a silver spoon But the strings of his heart sang an unhappy tune. My heartstrings played a lovely air Though my pockets were empty and my cupboards bare. His clothes are of satin, velvet and gold While I dress in calico, wretched and old. But for neighbors I have no lack Even though I live in a broken-down shack. So, sing and be happy, shout and be gay, Come, and we'll dance all the hours away. And when the time's come to greet the morning sun, We'll look back over a life well done. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE DREAM SONGS: 290 by JOHN BERRYMAN AFTER VERLAINE by ANSELM HOLLO VISITING MY OWN HOUSE IN IOWA CITY by GERALD STERN |
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