Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A POET AT THE PIANO (K.O) by ROBERT UNDERWOOD JOHNSON

First Line: NOT ALL UNHAPPY,' SAID ONE WISE OF HEART
Last Line: AND FILL THE MEASURE OF EACH TWO-FOLD SONG.
Subject(s): MUSIC & MUSICIANS; POETRY & POETS;
"NOT all unhappy," said one wise of heart,
"Who in his spendthrift season learned an art."
What, then, doth not the Future keep for you
Whose ardent days give mastery of two?

Into your open window by the sea
What wonder Music came, and Poetry --
Rhythm from island winds and breakers' might;
Grace from the sea grass and the swallows' flight;

Calm from the summer stars, that seem as near
As Heaven itself is on a Christmas clear;
Joy, Love, and Hope! May these about you throng
And fill the measure of each two-fold song.



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