Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LIP AND THE HEART, by JOHN QUINCY ADAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LIP AND THE HEART, by                 Poet's Biography
First Line: One day between the lip and the heart
Last Line: The silence of the heart.
Subject(s): Religion; Theology


ONE day between the Lip and the Heart
A wordless strife arose,
Which was expertest in the art
His purpose to disclose.

The Lip called forth the vassal Tongue,
And made him vouch -- a lie!
The slave his servile anthem sung,
And braved the listening sky.
The Heart to speak in vain essayed,
Nor could his purpose reach --
His will nor voice nor tongue obeyed,
His silence was his speech.
Mark thou their difference, child of earth!
While each performs his part,
Not all the lip can speak is worth
The silence of the heart.





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