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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MAE MARSH, MOTION PICTURE ACTRESS by NICHOLAS VACHEL LINDSAY

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE ARTS ARE OLD, OLD AS THE STONE
Last Line: TOMORROW'S YEARS OF YESTERYEAR.
Subject(s): MARSH, MAE; MOTION PICTURES; MOVIES; CINEMA;
(In "Man's Genesis", "The Wild Girl of the Sierras", "The Wharf Rat",
"A Girl of the Paris Streets", etc.)


I

The arts are old, old as the stones
From which man carved the sphinx austere.
Deep are the days the old arts bring:
Ten thousand years of yesteryear.


II

She is madonna in an art
As wild and young as her sweet eyes:
A frail dew flower from this hot lamp
That is today's divine surprise.

Despite raw lights and gloating mobs
She is not seared: a picture still:
Rare silk the fine director's hand
May weave for magic if he will.

When ancient films have crumbled like
Papyrus rolls of Egypt's day,
Let the dust speak: "Her pride was high,
All but the artist hid away:

"Kin to the myriad artist clan
Since time began, whose work is dear."
The deep new ages come with her,
Tomorrow's years of yesteryear.




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