Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SHINE, REPUBLIC, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: The quality of these trees, green height; of the sky, shining; of water, a clear flow
Last Line: The states of the next age will no doubt remember you, and edge their love of freedom with contempt
Subject(s): War; Social Commentary; Patriotism


* * As you climb to reach the stars, O white
* The ladder sways,
* You stand, surprised, strapped in the cage of night,
* Aghast and praying.
* And should you fall, you scream, and waking
* See the dull earth beneath you where it lay,
* The grey tide creeping out, while slowly breaking
* Over bleached sands, its long waves roll away.




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