Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HAST THOU HEARD THE NIGHTINGALE? by RICHARD WATSON GILDER

First Line: YES, I HAVE HEARD THE NIGHTINGALE
Last Line: YES, I HAVE HEARD THE NIGHTINGALE.
Subject(s): BIRDS; NIGHTINGALES;

YES, I have heard the nightingale.
As in dark woods I wandered,
And dreamed and pondered,
A voice passed by all fire
And passion and desire;
I rather felt than heard
The song of that lone bird:
Yes, I have heard the nightingale.

Yes, I have heard the nightingale.
I heard it, and I followed;
The warm night swallowed
This soul and body of mine,
As burning thirst takes wine,
While on and on I pressed
Close to that singing breast:
Yes, I have heard the nightingale.

Yes, I have heard the nightingale.
Well doth each throbbing ember
The flame remember;
And I, how quick that sound
Turned drops from a deep wound!
How this heart was the thorn
Which pierced that breast forlorn!
Yes, I have heard the nightingale.



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