Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GIFT OF SONG, by GRACE DENIO LITCHFIELD


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GIFT OF SONG, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: When I was born
Last Line: But men turned from me, saying: he is dead.
Subject(s): Singing & Singers; Songs


WHEN I was born
God stood in Heaven, and asked: What wilt thou, Soul?
I said: The gift of Song;
I ask no more than this—that I may sing.
God sighed, and lo, Grief fell
From out high Heaven and smote me on the heart.
I cried aloud for pain, and beat my breast.
But all my cries were music, and men list,
And feasted on the sweetness of my woe.
While I, I hid my face,
And knew not day from night for agony.
O God, I cried, take back thy poisoned gift,
The gift of Song!
Let me be dumb for ever, only so
My pain have ease!
Then God did hear again, and stooped Him down
And drew the burning arrow from my side;
And silence fell on me; my pulse stood still,
My lips closed softly, and I sang no more.
But men turned from me, saying: He is dead.





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