Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE UNHEARD by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY

Poet Analysis

First Line: ONE IN THE MUSICAL THRONG
Last Line: THE SONG IN HER HEART!
Subject(s): FLOWERS; MUSIC & MUSICIANS; ROSES; SINGING & SINGERS; VIOLINS;

I

ONE in the musical throng
Stood forth with his violin;
And warm was his welcome, and long
The later applause and the din. --
He had uttered, with masterful skill,
A melody hailed of men;
And his own blood leapt a-thrill,
As they thundered again.

II

Another stood forth. -- And a rose
Bloomed in her hair -- likewise
One at her tremulous throat --
And a @3rapture@1 bloomed in her eyes.
Tempests of cheers upon cheers,
Praises to last a life long;
Roses in showers of tears --
All for her song.

III

One sat apart and alone,
Her lips clasped close and straight,
Uttering never a tone
That the World might hear, elate --
Uttering never a low
Murmurous verse nor a part
Of the veriest song -- But O
The song in her heart!



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