Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, FOR THE DEDICATION OF A TOY THEATRE, by BENJAMIN ROBBINS CURTIS LOW


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

FOR THE DEDICATION OF A TOY THEATRE, by                    
First Line: You banished fairies and lean outlawed elves
Last Line: Have up the curtain; let the play begin!
Subject(s): Fairy Tales


You banished fairies and lean outlawed elves,
Immured in dusty books on closet shelves;
You exorcised young spirits that have lain,
Cooped-up with cobwebs, in a cynic's brain;
You goblins and goodfellows, mischief mites
That drank the cream and teased the dog o' nights;
You godmothers; you witches on old brooms;
You prancing princes (coal-black hair, and plumes),
Maidens, magicians, ogres, Jack-in-vines,
Con your enchantments, furbish up your lines,
Make ready for revival -- not so fast! --
You shall be summoned when the play is cast.
And you, grown old too early, you whose eyes
Have lost the wonder of the truly wise;
You scoffers armed with "science," and a laugh,
Who know the world and scorn the better half;
You, also, looking backward with regret,
Who catch a glimmer of late childhood yet;
And you who never wandered, skimped indeed,
Beyond the borders of the hard world's need;
But most, you children, holding in your hearts
The ways of highest heaven, best of arts,
Be seated here. Yon curtain is the mind:
Let logic slip, and -- laughter is behind.
Ay, laughter, and brave deeds, and hopes come true, --
The old sweet world of fancy, made for you.
But mark you, disenchantment's nigh at hand;
Whoever questions will not understand.
Look to 't: and, as you love us, we entreat,
Put off your cares; a smile will buy your seat.
Ho! actors! come, make ready there within: --
Have up the curtain; let the play begin!





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