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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VOICES BY A RIVER by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT HEAREST THOU?
Last Line: "THAT VEILS ME NOW."

"WHAT hearest thou?
That swelling sigh and slow-rebellious moan
Is the weir water talking all alone,
The water, as at dusk through centuries flown,
More audible now.

"Once more thou seest
The sun far off surrendering his tired head
Into the seas of sleep? his royal red
Shall soon salute the shepherds, comfort spread
Through a clear east.

"Thou feelest -- nothing
But airs dark-fluttering from the bulrush-grove,
Moth-like; and may not evening zephyrs rove?
Or mist-veil brushed thee, fine as yet was wove
For moonmaid's clothing."

"Turn thy dear brow
Full towards me, with thy young strong arm infold,
For I am trapped, on a sudden made centuries old;
Warm me a little, the mist clings deadly cold
That veils me now."



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