Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CESAR FRANCK by JOSEPH AUSLANDER

Poet Analysis

First Line: TO GRASP IT; SAY THAT YOU HAVE SEIZED THAT HOUR
Last Line: AND KNOW DEATH BY HIS SMILE.
Subject(s): FRANCK, CESAR (1822-1890);
To grasp it; say that you have seized that hour
Choking with music like a bright smoke; say
That you have crushed it as you crush a flower
Because it dies today;

To breathe it in, a brilliant dizziness
Glittering, overwhelming, battering sense
Down, and beating in a radiant press
Of wings up to the tents

Of the pavilioned spirit! -- so you shall reach
The slow white width of peace, and for a while,
Even for a while, hear an exalted speech
And know Death by his smile.



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