Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, CAPRIAN WINE, by CARROLL RYAN


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CAPRIAN WINE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Bring me a cup of the vintage of capri
Last Line: I bless thee for giving this caprian wine.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ryan, William Thomas Carroll
Subject(s): Capri, Italy; Drinks & Drinking; Wine


Bring me a cup of the vintage of Capri,
Odors of violets flooding its brim;
Here, in the cold north, I would be happy,
Calling up memories misty and dim.
Memories carried, like Orient treasure,
Over the seas to the homes of the West,
Gathered by hearts palpitating with pleasure,
Locked in the casket of love in my breast.

Voices that sound like the wind in the cedars,
Come with the odors of Capri to me,
With hands that were faithful and tireless weeders,
In gardens of life reaching down to the sea.
Thirst of my spirit this vintage can slaken,
Time, sorrow and distance, like clouds, disappear.
Long silent singers their strains re-awaken,
The brave and the noble who perished are here.

Up from the beaker, as up from the ocean,
Visions arise like the beautiful dead;
Coming in dreams, with a living emotion,
And pale fingers parting the curtains of dread.
Rosy cheeks nestling adown in white pillows,
Fanned by the wings that are not for our gaze,
Hoary heads sinking fast under the billows,
Driven by tempests for many long days.

Lost in the past, like the victims who perished,
Hurled from the cliff by the tyrant of old;
Who has their names or their memories cherished,
Who has the tale of their mystery told?
Violets bloom where the loving are lying,
They breathe in the odor and smile in the vine;
Kiss, rosy lips, separation defying,—
I bless thee for giving this Caprian Wine.





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