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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
FALLING STARS, by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER First Line: Shepherd, you tell us that our star Last Line: That falls, and falls, and disappears. Subject(s): Stars | |||
SHEPHERD, you tell us that our star Shining in heaven our fate decides. True child, such mystic lights there are, But night their guiding lustre hides. Shepherd, they say the azure skies Keep not their secret from your ears; What then that star that madly flies, Falls, and falls, and disappears? My child, e'en now a man expires-- His star this very moment sinks! Amid the friends whom mirth inspires He joins the song and gaily drinks: In tranquil happy sleep he lies, He feels no pang, he knows no fears-- See! a fresh star across the skies Falls, and falls, and disappear! Child, that pure lovely star doth move For one herself as pure and bright-- A happy girl, whose happy love An equal passion doth requite. Upon her brow the mother ties The wedding wreath, the fane she nears-- Another star across the skies Falls, and falls, and disappears! That star, which heaven so quickly cleaves, Marks some great noble lately born; The cradle that he vacant leaves Do purple pomp and gold adorn; Minions, with poisonous flatteries, Were eager to seduce his ears-- Another star across the skies Falls, and falls, and disappears! My child! what an ill-omened glare! It for a favourite shines, who thought A statesman's glorious name to bear Because our griefs he set at nought: The knave who served his fantasies From of the wall his portrait clears-- Another star across the skies Falls, and falls, and disappears! Son, there a good man's star is seen, One, kind as rich, we have to weep; With others poverty might glean, With him she might a harvest reap: E'en now, secure of sympathy, His roof the homeless beggar nears-- Another star across the sky Falls, and falls, and disappears! I read 'tis for a mighty king-- Go thou, my son, keep fast to right, And may thy star no glitter bring Of fame or undeserving might. Shouldst dazzle without worth the eyes 'Twill sound within the dying ears. 'Tis but a star across the skies That falls, and falls, and disappears. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE EPIC STARS by ROBINSON JEFFERS HYMN TO THE STARS by GEORGE LAWRENCE ANDREWS CHRISTMAS TREE by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS CLEMATIS MONTANA by MADELINE DEFREES THE UNCERTAINTY PRINCIPLE by JAMES GALVIN TO SEE THE STARS IN DAYLIGHT by JAMES GALVIN MY BALD HEAD by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER |
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