Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE CAMP FIRE'S SONG, by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. Poet's Biography First Line: I reared your fathers long ago Last Line: A puzzled child within your eyes. Alternate Author Name(s): Clark, Badger Subject(s): Cowboys | ||||||||
I reared your fathers long ago Big, savage childrenfrom the breast, But in the circle of my glow You sit to-night a haughty guest, For far beyond their artless day Your lofty trail has stretched away. So wise! so wise! But still the child is in your eyes. Your fathers feared the club and claw, Their days were full of fight and flight; Behind you stands your mighty law To guard your lonely sleep to-night, Or, if some lawless brute run free, A rifle gleams across your knee. So strong! so wise! But still the fear is in your eyes. They filled their little tents with spoil, Then vaguely longed for greater things; Your shining cities spurn the soil And through your valleys plenty sings; You span the seas they endless deemed And rule a world they never dreamed. So great! so wise! But still their longing in your eyes. They made them gods of flood and fire; With simple awe they watched the stars; You bend all powers to your desire; The river gods must draw your cars, The drudging fire gods drive your fleets, The lightning slaves about your streets. So proud! so wise! Yet their old wonder in your eyes! They dreamed a god might in them dwell Who lived beyond the silenced heart; You know your mortal self so well A wondrous thing in every part, But earthbound as this gaunt mesquite Or firelit dust about your feet. So hard! so wise! But still the god is in your eyes. Poor little primal thing am I, Great stranger, yet I mock your lore; Your thickest volumes often lie And these still stars could tell you more, The wind that sighs across the sand Or I, but could you understand? So wise! so wise! A puzzled child within your eyes. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE HOMESICK COWBOY by EARL ALONZO BRININSTOOL THE MOVIE PICTURE COWBOY by EARL ALONZO BRININSTOOL AT THE COWBOY PANEL by EDWARD DORN PLATE 134. BY EAKINS. 'A COWBOY IN THE WEST ...' by DAVID FERRY BACKDROP ADDRESSES COWBOY by MARGARET ATWOOD LLANO VAQUEROS by JIMMY SANTIAGO BACA COLORADO MORTON'S RIDE by LEONARD BACON (1887-1954) A BORDER AFFAIR by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. A BAD HALF HOUR by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. A COWBOY'S PRAYER (WRITTEN FOR MOTHER) by CHARLES BADGER CLARK JR. |
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