Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AN OPEN SECRET, by CAROLINE ATHERTON BRIGGS MASON



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AN OPEN SECRET, by                    
First Line: Would the lark sing the sweeter if he knew
Last Line: Would read the secret in your simple ways!
Alternate Author Name(s): Caro


WOULD the lark sing the sweeter if he knew
A thousand hearts hung breathless on his lay?
And if "How fair!" the rose could hear us say,
Would she, her primal fairness to outdo,
Take on a richer scent, a lovelier hue?
Who knows or cares to answer yea or nay?
O tuneful lark! sail, singing, on your way,
Brimmed with excess of ecstasy; and yon,
Sweet rose! renew with every perfect June
Your perfect blossoming! Still Naturewise,
Sing, bloom, because ye must, and not for praise.
If only we, who covet the fair boon
Of well-earned fame, and wonder where it lies,
Would read the secret in your simple ways!





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