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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HEALTH'S EXILES by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS

First Line: O DIAMOND ISLE UPON A DIAMOND SEA
Last Line: BACK IN THE HOME-LAND WHERE THEIR HEART REMAINS!
Subject(s): EXILES; STEVENSON, ROBERT LOUIS (1850-1894);

O diamond isle upon a diamond sea,
Wherein our Stevenson -- and Scotland's -- died,
Loathing thy loveliness, and weary-eyed
Turning from all thy softening sorcery
As the romance-maker of the Odyssey
Spurned Circe's coils, and day long sat beside
The cruel beauteous waves whose further tide
Touched home and friends and proud Penelope, --
Full many a sister scene as vainly fair
Holds guests as anguished with their perfumed chains,
Strong souls that sick and swooning bodies bear,
Exiles for health's sake from their native plains;
Ah, heavy task, when half their health is there,
Back in the home-land where their heart remains!



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