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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO MY DAUGHTER by NEWMAN HOWARD

First Line: DEAR, ARE THEY PROUD, WHOSE LEAFY POMP OUTSHONE
Last Line: STREWS FLOWERS BENEATH US, HOLY STARS ABOVE.
Subject(s): DAUGHTERS; LOVE; PRIDE; SOLOMON (10TH CENTURY B.C.); SOUL; SELF-ESTEEM; SELF-RESPECT;

DEAR, are they proud, whose leafy pomp outshone
Proud Solomon in all his glory decked?
Upon their errands bees and birds are gone;
They sleep; the fields with little robes are flecked,
Dipped in the sunset pools of damask hue,
In mauve of dawn, or deep meridian blue.

Dear, are they proud, who, flushed with Fortune's kiss,
Breathe homage, large in acres, honour, might,
Wealth without yoke, Fame with no after-hiss, --
Who wear the sword Fame buckles on, to smite
For noble cause, refreshed in gardens fair
Where jets of music splash the golden air?

But prouder I, the shadow-born, to raise
Sunward your soul, that rose by a shining stream
Swift flowing, full of sky, that makes our days
Go singing like rare music, or a dream
One sleeps to dream again; for, dear, your love
Strews flowers beneath us, holy stars above.



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