Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CLAIM OF KINDRED, by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CLAIM OF KINDRED, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I am not one, but many: murmuring through
Last Line: The passions of my kindred clasp me still!
Subject(s): Dreams; Evil; God; Soul; Nightmares


I AM not one, but many: murmuring through
My blood I seem to hear a blended cry,
Ancestral-strong, bidding me up and do
A million deeds before I come to die.

Some of the voices call like organ tones
Upon my soul for service that is meet;
Others unman me with melodious moans
Or evil invitations perilous-sweet.

some tell of high endeavor on the seas,
Some, bugle-clear, declare that war is best;
Some lull me to a dream of summer ease
In far-away, fair places where is rest.

Betwixt high heaven and hell the ample air
Thrills with their pleadings, vibrates to their breath;
Deep in my heart I feel their vast despair,
Their every hope, their game of life and death.

It is as though a countless company
Drew a great circle round me, and did press
Their myriad claims nor would not let me be
Until unto them all I answered, Yes.

I am not one, but many: all the past
Houses within my breast and summons me;
And only God shall speak the word at last
To quell the storm and give the mastery.

Since thus, despite my cherished pride of will,
The passions of my kindred clasp me still!





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