Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SANDPIPER, by CELIA LEIGHTON THAXTER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SANDPIPER, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Across the narrow beach we flit,
Last Line: Thou, little sandpiper, and I?
Subject(s): Birds; Sandpipers


Across the narrow beach we flit,
one little sandpiper and I,
and fast I gather, bit by bit,
the scattered driftwood bleached and dry;
the wild waves reach their hands for it.
The wild wind raves, the tide runs high
as up and down the beach we flit—
one little sandpiper and I.

Above our heads the sullen clouds
scud black and swift across the sky;
like silent ghosts in misty shrouds
stand out the white lighthouses high.
Almost as far as eye can reach
I see the close-reefed vessels fly
as fast we flit along the beach—
one little sandpiper and I.

I watch him as he skims along
uttering his sweet and mournful cry.
He starts not at my fitful song
or flash of fluttering drapery.
He has no thought of any wrong;
he scans me with a fearless eye.
Staunch friends are we, well tried and strong,
the little sandpiper and I.

Comrade, where wilt thou be tonight
when the loosed storm breaks furiously?
My driftwood fire will burn so bright!
To what warm shelter canst thou fly?
I do not fear for thee, though wroth
the tempest rushes through the sky;
for are we not God's children both,
thou, little sandpiper, and I?





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