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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DEAF by HENRY CUYLER BUNNER

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS TO A BIRD'S SONG SHE WERE LISTENING
Last Line: WHERE DWELLS HER SPIRIT, INNOCENTLY WISE.
Subject(s): DEAFNESS;

As to a bird's song she were listening,
Her beautiful head is ever sidewise bent;
Her questioning eyes lift up their depths intent --
She, who will never hear the wild-birds sing.
My words within her ears' cold chambers ring
Faint, with the city's murmurous sub-tones blent;
Though with such sounds as suppliants may have sent
To high-throned goddesses, my speech takes wing.
Not for the side-poised head's appealing grace
I gaze, nor hair where fire in shadow lies --
For her this world's unhallowed noises base
Melt into silence; not our groans, our cries,
Our curses, reach that high-removed place
Where dwells her spirit, innocently wise.



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