Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


IN SMALL TOWNS by GEORGES RODENBACH

Poem Explanation

First Line: IN SMALL TOWNS, IN THE LANGUID MORN AND FRAIL
Last Line: AS FROM THE DEAD BROW OF A PERISHED YEAR.
Subject(s): BELLS; FLOWERS; TOWNS;

IN small towns, in the languid morn and frail
Chimes the far bell, chimes in the sweetness of
Dawn that regards thee with a sister's love,
Chimes the far bell -- and then its music pale
Falters upon the roofs like flower on flower,
And on the stairs of gables, dark and deep --
Moist blossoms gathered by the winds that sweep.
The morning music flutters from the tower,
From far away in garlands dry and sere,
Like unseen lilies from an hour that's gone
The petals, cold and pale, drift on and on
As from the dead brow of a perished year.



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