Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE GLACIER, by JOHN RUSKIN



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GLACIER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The mountains have a peace which none disturb
Last Line: For those who sink to it unsanctified.
Subject(s): Glaciers


THE mountains have a peace which none disturb—
The stars and clouds a course which none restrain—
The wild sea-waves rejoice without a curb,
And rest without a passion; but the chain
Of Death, upon this ghastly cliff and chasm
Is broken evermore, to bind again,
Nor lulls nor looses. Hark! a voice of pain,
Suddenly silenced;—a quick passing spasm,
That startles rest, but grants not liberty,—
A shudder, or a struggle, or a cry—
And then sepulchral stillness. Look on us,
God! who hast given these hills their place of pride,
If Death's captivity be sleepless thus,
For those who sink to it unsanctified.





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