Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE LILY OF YORROW, by HENRY VAN DYKE Poet's Biography First Line: Deep in the heart of the forest the lily Last Line: He has discovered it first, and perhaps I shall find it to-morrow. Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus Subject(s): Flowers; Lilies | ||||||||
DEEP in the heart of the forest the lily of Yorrow is growing; Blue is its cup as the sky, and with mystical odor o'erflowing; Faintly it falls through the shadowy glades when the south wind is blowing; Sweet are the primroses pale, and the violets after a shower; Sweet are the borders of pinks, and the blossoming grapes on the bower: Sweeter by far is the breath of that faraway woodland flower. Searching and strange in its sweetness, it steals like a perfume enchanted Under the arch of the forest, and all who perceive it are haunted, Seeking and seeking forever, till sight of the lily is granted. Who can describe how it grows, with its chalice of lazuli leaning Over a crystalline spring, where the ferns and the mosses are greening? Who can imagine its beauty, or utter the depth of its meaning? Calm of the journeying stars, and repose of the mountains olden, Joy of the swift-running rivers, and glory of sunsets golden, Secrets that cannot be told in the heart of the flower are holden. Surely to see it is peace and the crown of a life-long endeavor; Surely to pluck it is gladness, -- but they who have found it can never Tell of the gladness and peace: they are hid from our vision forever. 'T was but a moment ago that a comrade was wandering near me: Turning aside from the pathway, he murmured a greeting to cheer me, -- Then he was lost in the shade, and I called, but he did not hear me. Why should I dream he is dead, and bewail him with passionate sorrow? Surely I know there is gladness in finding the lily of Yorrow: He has discovered it first, and perhaps I shall find it to-morrow. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NUNS PAINTING WATER-LILIES by WALLACE STEVENS THE SECRET GARDEN by ELEANOR WILNER THE CLOTE (WATER-LILY) by WILLIAM BARNES THE LILY, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE THE MARIPOSA LILY by INA DONNA COOLBRITH TO A LILY by JAMES MATHEWES LEGARE THE WATER-LILY by JOHN BANISTER TABB LITTLE BOATIE'; A SLUMBER SONG FOR THE FISHERMAN'S CHILD by HENRY VAN DYKE |
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