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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE PRESENCE by LUCY LARCOM

First Line: THE MOUNTAIN STATELIER LIFTS HIS BLUE-VEILED HEAD
Last Line: "TRUTH'S SIMPLEST MESSAGE: ""'T IS BY LOVE YE LIVE."
Subject(s): BLUE MOUNTAINS, MAINE;

THE mountain statelier lifts his blue-veiled head,
While, drawing near, we meet him face to face.
Here, as on holy ground, we softly tread;
Yet, with a tender and paternal grace,
He gives the wild-flowers in his lap a place:
They climb his sides, as fondled infants might,
And wind around him, in a light embrace,
Their summer drapery, pink and clinging white.
Great hearts have largest room to bless the small;
Strong natures give the weaker home and rest:
So Christ took little children to his breast,
And, with a reverence more profound, we fall
In the majestic presence that can give
Truth's simplest message: "'T is by love ye live."



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