Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN MEMORIAM: DICKENS, by PAUL HAMILTON HAYNE


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IN MEMORIAM: DICKENS, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Methinks the air / throbs with the tolling of harmonious bells
Last Line: And woven on heavens beyond time's stormy breath.
Subject(s): Dickens, Charles (1812-1870)


METHINKS the air
Throbs with the tolling of harmonious bells,
Rung by the hands of spirits; everywhere
We feel the presence of a soft despair
And thrill to voices of divine farewells.

Sweet Fancy lost,
Wandering in darkness, now makes silvery moan;
While Pathos, pale, and shadowy, like a ghost,
Sobs upon Humor's breast, that mourns him most,
The wizard king who leaves them all -- alone.

Wan genii throng,
From earth's four quarters hurrying, mount and mart,
Pure woodland peace, the city's din and wrong.
Each breathing low a fond funereal song,
Each sadly bowed o'er that grand, silent heart.

The children's tears
Mingle with manhood's woe, that falls like rain;
Low lieth one who towered above his peers,
And nevermore, through all the fruitful years,
Our eyes shall greet the master's like again.

Creations fine,
His prodigal offspring, crowd so thickly round
That Wit falls foul of Sorrow, Cupids twine
Warm arms with Avarice, and Love's strength divine
Hath vanquished Hate on Hate's own chosen ground.

Though gone, his art
Triumphant spans the threatening clouds of death;
Its rainbow hues forever pulse and start,
Steeped in the life-blood of the human heart,
And woven on heavens beyond Time's stormy breath.





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