THE balmy comforts that are fled To me no more return, Though Nature's sweets around are shed, Amid those sweets I mourn. With organs framed to taste delight, My soul its functions tries, I feel, I see -- but from my sight The transient landscape flies. The glimmering beams of opening day, Shot through a watery sky, Delusive glowing tints display, But soon o'erwhelmed they die. 'Twas thus my youth in brightness dawned, My passions caught the glow, Some ray of bliss each cloud adorned Which teemed with future woe. Torn from each joy that soothes the heart, All other pleasures fly, My thoughts pursue the toils of art, My feelings music try. Then, O, my soul! thy powers divine Strengthened in virtue rear; Pour from thy breast, in songs sublime, Thy grief -- and learn to bear. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FORECLOSURE by STERLING ALLEN BROWN SACRIFICE by RALPH WALDO EMERSON OUR COUNTRY by JULIA WARD HOWE CHOEPHOROI: ORESTES GOES MAD by AESCHYLUS TO A FRIEND by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD THE LAY OF ST. CUTHBERT; OR THE DEVIL'S DINNER-PARTY by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM |