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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO A REDWOOD TREE by PHILIP H. DODGE

First Line: FROM OUT THE STRONGHOLD OF THE EARTH TO RISE
Last Line: NOR MAN REGARD THY MAJESTY THE LESS.
Subject(s): SEQUOIA TREES; REDWOODS;

From out the stronghold of the earth to rise
In vigor and directness of thy shaft,
The winds and storms of centuries outlaughed,
To hindrances vouchsafing no replies;
Diminishing intently toward the skies,
Surpassing all of human strength or craft;
Inbreathing of the higher winds that waft,
O marvel of the earth, thou great surprise!

How proud the earth to claim thee for a son!
How proud art thou earth's vigor to express!
In the long past thou vast ascent begun,
Patient and strong and void of weariness;
While time shall last, thou shalt not be outdone,
Nor man regard thy majesty the less.



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