Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONGS FOR A WINTER FIRE: 10. BEFORE A JOURNEY, by CALE YOUNG RICE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONGS FOR A WINTER FIRE: 10. BEFORE A JOURNEY, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tomorrow I shall set forth upon a journey
Last Line: Til I assay them 'round a home-lit fire.
Subject(s): Home; Travel; Journeys; Trips


Tomorrow I shall set forth upon a journey.
Out in the twilight now I see the trains
Panting toward the cold country snow-lands
With frosty breath and kindled window panes.
The house is strange and still, knowing I purpose
To lock its doors and hush it with drawn blinds.
"Why does he go? Why does he go?" it questions.
"What is it in the world outside he finds?"

Too little or too much, dear house! For one
Who travels away from self or who is bent
On hope-begotten adventure often misses
The calm efficiency of heart-content.
When I come back then from a hundred cities
And wash away the travel-stain and tire,
I shall not know whether my gains are riches
'Til I assay them 'round a home-lit fire.





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