Classic and Contemporary Poetry
UNDER THE SHADE OF THE TREES [MAY 10, 1863], by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON Poet's Biography First Line: What are the thoughts that are stirring his breast? Last Line: Under the shade of the trees! Subject(s): American Civil War; Chancellorsville, Battle Of (1863); Jackson, Thomas (stonewall) (1824-1863); United States - History; War | ||||||||
WHAT are the thoughts that are stirring his breast? What is the mystical vision he sees? -- "Let us pass over the river, and rest Under the shade of the trees." Has he grown sick of his toils and his tasks? Sighs the worn spirit for respite or ease? Is it a moment's cool halt that he asks Under the shade of the trees? Is it the gurgle of water whose flow Ofttimes has come to him, borne on the breeze, Memory listens to, lapsing so low, Under the shade of the trees? Nay -- though the rasp of the flesh was so sore, Faith, that had yearnings far keener than these, Saw the soft sheen of the Thitherward Shore Under the shade of the trees; -- Caught the high psalm of ecstatic delight-- Heard the harps harping, like soundings of seas -- Watched earth's assoiled ones walking in white Under the shade of the trees. Oh, was it strange he should pine for release, Touched to the soul with such transports as these, -- He who so needed the balsam of peace, Under the shade of the trees? Yea, it was noblest for him -- it was best (Questioning naught of our Father's decrees), There to pass over the river and rest Under the shade of the trees! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...I AM YOUR WAITER TONIGHT AND MY NAME IS DIMITRI by ROBERT HASS MITRAILLIATRICE by ERNEST HEMINGWAY RIPARTO D'ASSALTO by ERNEST HEMINGWAY WAR VOYEURS by JUAN FELIPE HERRERA THE DREAM OF WAKING by RANDALL JARRELL THE SURVIVOR AMONG GRAVES by RANDALL JARRELL SO MANY BLOOD-LAKES by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE FIRST PROCLAMATION OF MILES STANDISH [NOVEMBER 23, 1620] by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON THE FIRST THANKSGIVING DAY [1621] by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON A GRAVE IN HOLLYWOOD CEMETERY, RICHMOND by MARGARET JUNKIN PRESTON |
|