Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A FOREST GRAVEYARD by GEORGE HERBERT CLARKE

First Line: THE BIRDS BROOD SILENT IN THE UNDERBRUSH
Last Line: BE I THY MOURNER, CHILD, AND THOU MY CARE!
Subject(s): FORESTS; GRAVES; HUMANITY; MOURNING; NATURE; WOODS; TOMBS; TOMBSTONES; BEREAVEMENT;

@2T@1HE birds brood silent in the underbrush,
A stricken ghostliness stands each stark tree,
The hesitating river glides less free,
Fearful of the inviolable hush;
Beyond the stream a solitary thrush
Sings, and the sun's deep crimson drapery
Is drooping o'er the land, but breathes to me
No hope the wintering shadows cannot crush.

I turn to go, and in the littered leaves
Stumble upon a shell, a shapeless stone,
A withered rose, huddled together there;
O secret grave, sure no sad mother grieves
The little ward of death thou guard'st alone:
Be I thy mourner, child, and thou my care!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net