Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SILENCE, by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SILENCE, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: With changeful sound life beats upon the ear;
Last Line: Hearkens the lightest word we say, or hear.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ramal, Walter; De La Mare, Walter


With changeful sound life beats upon the ear;
Yet, striving for release,
The most seductive string's
Sweet jargonings,
The happiest throat's
Most easeful, lovely notes
Fall back into a veiling silentness.

Ev'n 'mid the rumour of a moving host,
Blackening the clear green earth,
Vainly 'gainst that thin wall
The trumpets call,
Or with loud hum
The smoke-bemuffled drum:
From that high quietness no reply comes forth.

When, all at peace, two friends at ease alone
Talk out their hearts -- yet still,
Between the grace-notes of
The voice of love
From each to each
Trembles a rarer speech,
And with its presence every pause doth fill.

Unmoved it broods, this all-encompassing hush
Of one who stooping near,
No smallest stir will make
Our fear to wake;
But yet intent
Upon some mystery bent
Hearkens the lightest word we say, or hear.





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