Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO A DOG, by JOSEPHINE PRESTON PEABODY


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO A DOG, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: So, back again? And is your errand done
Last Line: Your fallen gods?
Alternate Author Name(s): Marks, Lionel S., Mrs.
Variant Title(s): The Unfailing One
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


SO, BACK again?

-- And is your errand done,

Unfailing one?
How quick the gray world, at your morning look,
Turns wonder book!
Come in -- O guard and guest;
Come, O you breathless, from a lifelong quest!
Search my heart; and if a comfort be,
Ah, comfort me.
You eloquent one, you best
Of all diviners, so to trace
The weather gleams upon a face;
With wordless, querying paw,
Adventuring the law!
You shaggy Loveliness,
What call was it? -- What dream beyond a guess,
Lured you, gray ages back,
From that lone bivouac
Of the wild pack? --
Was it your need or ours? The calling trail
Of Faith that should not fail?
Of hope dim understood? --
That you should follow our poor humanhood,
Only because you would!
To search and circle -- follow and outstrip,
Men and their fellowship;
And keep your heart no less,
Your to-and-fro of hope and wistfulness,
Through all world-weathers and against all odds!

Can you forgive us, now? --
Your fallen gods?





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