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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A DISFORESTED GLEN by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: THE BROOK THAT PLAYED AT HIDING WITH THE SKY
Last Line: "THE MANGLED PROFIT THAT YOU DRAG AWAY""?"

The brook that played at hiding with the sky
Mirrors no green leaves now, laid rudely bare
For light to point at. Through the sad white air
Rings the incredulous birds' home-seeking cry.
Wildly the outraged squirrel chatters by
'Mid the chipped ruin of his dwelling fair,
And all the girlish fern and maiden-hair
Hang heads abashed before the day's bold eye.
Oh! my dear shrines amid the mossy rock,
Owned ye no woodland deities to stay
The axe, greed-goaded to the ugly shock?
Had all your oracles no voice to say,
"Spoilers! The wealths you ruin here but mock
The mangled profit that you drag away"?



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