Classic and Contemporary Poetry
TO A FRIEND IMPRISONED IN GERMANY, by GEORGE SANTAYANA Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The young man's heart labours with many a birth Last Line: Is sweet, and sweet the friendship of the dead. Subject(s): Prisoners Of War; Friendship; Youth | ||||||||
The young man's heart labours with many a birth Of changeling beauty: his high torment is To shadow forth the strange tempestuous bliss Of deeds and wonders making glad the earth. But sin is old, and custom, and the dearth Of heavenly dew; and what we build amiss The ivy mantles and the sunbeams kiss Till, lo! we love it. What are fair dreams worth Beside this homely joy? When youth is fled Does laughter cease? 'Twixt storm and cruel storm The shipwrecked's comfort is a crust of bread. If love be shipwrecked too, a lovely form Is lovely still. To smile and bow the head Is sweet, and sweet the friendship of the dead. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...BETWEEN THE WARS by ROBERT HASS THE GOLDEN SHOVEL by TERRANCE HAYES ALONG WITH YOUTH by ERNEST HEMINGWAY THE BLACK RIVIERA by MARK JARMAN |
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