Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, KATHLEEN MAVOURNEEN, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY


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KATHLEEN MAVOURNEEN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Kathleen mavourneen! / the song is still ringing
Last Line: Oh, why are we silent, kathleen mavourneen!
Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F.
Subject(s): Grief; Night; Singing & Singers; Sorrow; Sadness; Bedtime


[Frederick Nicholls Crouch, the Musical Genius and Composer of the world-
known air "Kathleen Mavourneen," was, at above date, living, in helpless age, in
his adopted country, America -- a citizen since 1849.]

KATHLEEN MAVOURNEEN! The song is still ringing
As fresh and as clear as the trill of the birds;
In world-weary hearts it is throbbing and singing
In pathos too sweet for the tenderest words.
Oh, have we forgotten the one who first breathed it?
Oh, have we forgotten his rapturous art --
Our meed to the master whose genius bequeathed it?
Oh, why art thou silent, thou Voice of the Heart? --
Our need to the master whose genius bequeathed it --
Oh, why are we silent, Kathleen Mavourneen!

Kathleen Mavourneen! Thy lover still lingers;
The long night is waning, the stars pale and few;
Thy sad serenader, with tremulous fingers,
Is bowed with his tears as the lily with dew;
The old harp-strings quaver, the old voice is shaking;
In sighs and in sobs moans the yearning refrain;
The old vision dims, and the old heart is breaking . . .
Kathleen Mavourneen, inspire us again!
The old vision dims, and the old heart is breaking:
Oh, why are we silent, Kathleen Mavourneen!





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