Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, OF A BEAUTIFUL POEM (THREE VOICES), by MARIANNA GRISWOLD VAN RENSSELAER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

OF A BEAUTIFUL POEM (THREE VOICES), by                 Poet Analysis    
First Line: Lifeblood and spirit fire
Last Line: Sing at home-coming.
Alternate Author Name(s): Van Rensselaer, Mrs. Schuyler
Subject(s): Homecoming


I

Lifeblood and spirit-fire
Went to its making:
Surely the Maker found
(His for the taking)
All a kind word could show
Of gracious living,
And happy stars could give,
Lavishly giving --
Honor and easefulness,
Wealth to buy leisure,
Beauty of man's device,
Nature's high pleasure,
White moons to glorify
Times of far roaming,
Orchards in bloom to make
Sweet the home-coming

II

Lifeblood and spirit-fire
Went to its making:
Surely the Maker found
Naught for free taking.
It was a warring soul
Flamed in such fashion,
Not from a heart at ease
Bled this pure passion.
Honor he served the while
Loud tongues decried him,
Beauty the more because
Much was denied him;
Pan in the darkness laid
Paths for his roaming,
Thorn-branch and rue were cut
For his home-coming.

III

Lifeblood and spirit-fire
Went to its making:
Who knows what planet ruled
At its awaking?
Plenty may starve a soul,
Dearth feed another,
Joy bring to one the gift
Grief gives his brother;
One finds a Calvary
In Eden-places,
One builds all beauty from
Beauty's faint traces . . . .
Weal-star or bale-star may
Pilot the roaming,
Yet will a singer's heart
Sing at home-coming.





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