Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HERMIT-THRUSH SEXTONS, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HERMIT-THRUSH SEXTONS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: In the hushed and reverent woodland
Last Line: When we hear the hermit's call.
Subject(s): Birds; Thrushes


In the hushed and reverent woodland
Where the twilight shadows dwell
All the birds are going to meeting,
And the hermit rings the bell.

"Co-o-ome, come to church this evening,"
So the little sexton sings;
"Co-o-ome, come to prayer and praises,"
Through the woods the summon rings.

Then another hermit answers
From a belfry green and high;
"Co-o-ome, yes, we'll come and gladly,"
Is the musical reply.

Soon across the woodland spaces
Other sextons ply their bells,
Till the forest is a-quiver
Deep in all its hidden dells.

And the wistful mortal straying
Underneath the brooding trees,
Captured by the mood of worship,
Sinks his soul on bended knees.

Spoken words and ritual order?
Stately spire and arched hall?
Nay, the world is a cathedral
When we hear the hermit's call.





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