Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, NOT THE HUSHED GRAVE, by VILDA SAUVAGE OWENS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

NOT THE HUSHED GRAVE, by                    
First Line: Hill-folk, who long have lived among the
Last Line: Will find some dear, remembered english lane.
Subject(s): Graves; Tombs; Tombstones


Hill-folk, who long have lived among the stars,
Fret in the valley, as at iron bars.
And those who by the surging sea have lain,
Are deafened by the silence of the plain.
How then should I, who love the sea and sky,
Not dread the darkness when I come to die?
How then should I, who love the sky and sea,
Lie within a small grave quietly?
I think in some way I should be aware
Of earthly beauty that I might not share --
The first frail crocus and the wild bird's call;
A breaking wave beyond the graveyard wall.
I think I could not bear it, lying there,
Wistful and lonely as unanswered prayer.

Then let the white fire have its way with me,
And the wild gales of heaven set me free!
So shall my timid body, purged of pain,
White as my shriven soul, ride with the rain;
Laugh with the winds that kiss the buttercup,
And skim the shallows where the gray gulls sup.
It may be I shall tire of sky and sea,
And the quick dust that was the heart of me,
Like homing dove that seeks her nest again,
Will find some dear, remembered English lane.





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