Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LAPWING, by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LAPWING, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: How like that pied and restless bird am I
Last Line: And love must watch my nest when I am gone.
Subject(s): Birds


How like that pied and restless bird am I
Called Lapwing from her false and feigned wound!
Lame on one side she painfully doth fly,
Drooping her crest, and circling near the ground;
Such thought she takes but to conceal her brood,
Who crowd unseen within a helpless nest,
Nor can rough idlers, though their steps intrude,
Win that nice secret from her panting breast;
So I in many songs most deftly hide
The tender casket of my heart's rich pain,
Lest one dear name my soul hath deified
Be trodden upon by wandering feet profane;
I sing my songs for Love's true priests alone,
And Love must watch my nest when I am gone.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net