The young man's heart labours with many a birth Of changeling beauty: his high torment is To shadow forth the strange tempestuous bliss Of deeds and wonders making glad the earth. But sin is old, and custom, and the dearth Of heavenly dew; and what we build amiss The ivy mantles and the sunbeams kiss Till, lo! we love it. What are fair dreams worth Beside this homely joy? When youth is fled Does laughter cease? 'Twixt storm and cruel storm The shipwrecked's comfort is a crust of bread. If love be shipwrecked too, a lovely form Is lovely still. To smile and bow the head Is sweet, and sweet the friendship of the dead. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...VARIATIONS: 15 by CONRAD AIKEN INDEPENDENCE DAY, 1956, A FAIRY TALE by JAMES GALVIN VIGNETTES OVERSEAS: 3. NAPLES by SARA TEASDALE HELIOTROPE by HARRY THURSTON PECK THE DIRGE [FOR FIDELE], FR. CYMBELINE by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE |