Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BALLADE OF BROKEN FLUTES, by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: In dreams I crossed a barren land Last Line: The broken flutes of arcady. Subject(s): Flutes | ||||||||
(TO A. T. SCHUMANN) In dreams I crossed a barren land, A land of ruin, far away; Around me hung on every hand A deathful stillness of decay; And silent, as in bleak dismay That song should thus forsaken be, On that forgotten ground there lay The broken flutes of Arcady. The forest that was all so grand When pipes and tabors had their sway Stood leafless now, a ghostly band Of skeletons in cold array. A lonely surge of ancient spray Told of an unforgetful sea, But iron blows had hushed for aye The broken flutes of Arcady. No more by summer breezes fanned, The place was desolate and gray; But still my dream was to command New life into that shrunken clay. I tried it. Yes, you scan to-day, With uncommiserating glee, The songs of one who strove to play The broken flutes of Arcady. ENVOY So, Rock, I join the common fray, To fight where Mammon may decree; And leave, to crumble as they may, The broken flutes of Arcady. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOGIC AND 'THE MAGIC FLUTE' (IMPRESSIONS OF A PREMIERE) by MARIANNE MOORE A FLUTE OVERHEARD by KENNETH REXROTH A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE VEERY'S FLUTE by LUCY BRANCH ALLEN THE OLD FLUTE by AUGUSTE ANGELLIER AUTUMN WEATHER by KATHARINE LEE BATES TO A YOUNG FRIEND LEARNING TO PLAY THE FLUTE by JOHN GARDINER CALKINS BRAINARD THE REED by AUDREY ALEXANDRA BROWN A POEM FOR MAX NORDAU by EDWIN ARLINGTON ROBINSON |
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