Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SIDNEY LANIER, by AMOS RUSSEL WELLS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SIDNEY LANIER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tree-lover, bird-lover, lover of marsh and sea
Last Line: He died at the half of an ode!
Subject(s): Lanier, Sidney (1842-1881)


Tree-lover, bird-lover, lover of marsh and sea,
Holding his heart to the meadow land, baring his soul to the sun,
He loved the world for man, and man the world for Thee,
Creator, O beautiful One!

In-flowing, out-flowing, over the tide's unrest
Brooded his spirit on level wings, brooded, nor sank nor rose, --
Unmoved by passion's wave, nor tossed on its frothy crest,
Nor whelmed in its furrowed woes.

Sea-swinging, cloud-sailing, lilt of the wren and leaf,
Growing of grace in the morning sky, storm and the trees at strife, --
He wove all sights and sounds and made him a net for grief,
And joy, and the wings of a life.

Clear-sighted, warm-hearted, spirit in poise, in tune,
So was his life with beauty filled; -- touch, and a song overflowed.
Alas, the summer bard, he died with his life at June;
He died at the half of an ode!





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