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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WORLD'S HARMONIES by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI

Poet Analysis

First Line: OH LISTEN, LISTEN, FOR THE EARTH
Last Line: WHO TURNETH FROM HIS SIN.
Subject(s): EARTH; LIFE; SINGING & SINGERS; WORLD;
Oh listen, listen; for the Earth
Hath silent melody;
Green grasses are her lively chords,
And blossoms; and each tree,
Chestnut and oak and sycamore,
Makes solemn harmony.

Oh listen, listen; for the Sea
Is calling unto us;
Her notes are the broad liquid waves
Mighty and glorious.
Lo, the first man and the last man
Hath heard, shall hearken thus.

The Sun on which men cannot look
Its splendour is so strong;
Which wakeneth life and giveth life
Rolling in light along,
From day-dawn to dim eventide
Sings the eternal song.

And the Moon taketh up the hymn,
And the Stars answer all;
And all the Clouds and all the Winds
And all the Dews that fall
And Frost and fertilizing Rain
Are mutely musical.

Fishes and Beasts and feathered Fowl
Swell the eternal chant,
That riseth through the lower air,
Over the rainbow slant,
Up through the unseen palace-gates,
Fearlessly jubilant.

Before the everlasting Throne
It is acceptable;
It hath no pause or faltering;
The Angels know it well;
Yea, in the highest heaven of heavens
Its sound is audible.

Yet than the voice of the whole World
There is a sweeter voice,
That maketh all the Cherubim
And Seraphim rejoice;
That all the blessed Spirits hail
With undivided choice;

That crieth at the golden door
And gaineth entrance in;
That the palm-branch and radiant crown
And glorious throne may win; --
The lowly prayer of a poor man
Who turneth from his sin.



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