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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


MARTIN AND KATHERINE by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: ALONE TODAY I MOUNTED THAT STEEP HILL
Last Line: WORK SLEEPS; LOVE WAKES; SING AND THE GLAD AIR THRILL!
Subject(s): NATURE; HAPPINESS;

Alone today I mounted that steep hill
On which the Wartburg stands. Here Luther dwelt
In a small room one year through, here he spelt
The German Bible out by God's good will.

The birds piped ti-ti-tu, and as I went
I thought how Katherine von Bora knelt
At Grimma, idle she, waiting to melt
Her surpliced heart in folds less straitly meant.

As now, it was March then: Lo, he'll fulfill
Today his weighty task! Sing for content
Ye birds! Pipe now! for now 'tis Love's wing's bent.
Work sleeps; love wakes; sing and the glad air thrill!



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