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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PLAINT OF THE PINE, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON Poet's Biography
First Line: I found a pine that shot its solemn bole
Last Line: "with a fear of the ocean, that knoweth not rest."
Subject(s): Dreams; Pine Trees; Sea; Trees; Nightmares; Ocean
First Line: I found a pine that shot its solemn bole
Last Line: "with a fear of the ocean, that knoweth not rest."
Subject(s): Dreams; Pine Trees; Sea; Trees; Nightmares; Ocean
I FOUND a pine that shot its solemn bole
Twice fifty feet against the summer sky
From out a sunless gorge; and sad of soul
It seemed, until I sought to question why;
Whereat the tree moaned darkly -- made this strange reply:
"I am troubled betimes, I am sad in my sleep,
Foreboding the day I shall stagger and leap
And tremble through tempests o'er seas that are deep.
"They will fashion me forth for a ship; they will make
My stature and girth but a mock; they will break
My branches and rend me for merchanting's sake.
"Eternal unease shall be portioned to me,
A creature firm rooted and fain so to be, --
Eternal unease on the shifting, loud sea.
"For each to his nature; and mine is to grow
Tall, somber, and steadfast, and gravely a-row
With brothers as grave, while the centuries go.
"I am troubled betimes, I am sorely oppressed,
As I ponder and dream on my mother-earth's breast,
With a fear of the ocean, that knoweth not rest."
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JULY FOURTH BY THE OCEAN by ROBINSON JEFFERS
BOATS IN A FOG by ROBINSON JEFFERS
CONTINENT'S END by ROBINSON JEFFERS
THE FIGUREHEAD by LEONIE ADAMS
BLACK SHEEP by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON