Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE HOUSE OF LIFE: 47. BROKEN MUSIC, by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The mother will not turn, who thinks she hears Last Line: Is but the pang of unpermitted prayer. Alternate Author Name(s): Rossetti, Gabriel Charles Dante Subject(s): Love | ||||||||
THE mother will not turn, who thinks she hears Her nursling's speech first grow articulate; But breathless with averted eyes elate She sits, with open lips and open ears, That it may call her twice. 'Mid doubts and fears Thus oft my soul has hearkened; till the song, A central moan for days, at length found tongue, And the sweet music welled and the sweet tears. But now, whatever while the soul is fain To list that wonted murmur, as it were The speech-bound sea-shell's low importunate strain,-- No breath of song, thy voice alone is there, O bitterly beloved! and all her gain Is but the pang of unpermitted prayer. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE INVENTION OF LOVE by MATTHEA HARVEY TWO VIEWS OF BUSON by ROBERT HASS A LOVE FOR FOUR VOICES: HOMAGE TO FRANZ JOSEPH HAYDN by ANTHONY HECHT AN OFFERING FOR PATRICIA by ANTHONY HECHT LATE AFTERNOON: THE ONSLAUGHT OF LOVE by ANTHONY HECHT A SWEETENING ALL AROUND ME AS IT FALLS by JANE HIRSHFIELD FOUND' (FOR A PICTURE) by DANTE GABRIEL ROSSETTI |
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