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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG FOR MIDDLE YEARS by JANIE SMITH RHYNE

First Line: THROUGH ALL MY LIFE MY HEART HAS LOVED TO SING
Last Line: TO LIVE A JOY THAT SWELLS TOO FULL FOR SONG.
Subject(s): MIDDLE AGE;

Through all my life my heart has loved to sing,
Has used in praise the clearest tones it knew.
In babyhood a laugh or murmured coo
Gave thanks for body warmth and comforting.
Then childhood's shrill delight-in-everything
Was piped in high staccato song that grew
In youth to melody more rich and true,
But kept its theme forever varying.
But, now, my joy serenely takes its flow
Not out of shallow wells but from the Source,
Outcompassing expression. Now, along
My quiet ways with vibrant heart I go,
Constrained by that upsurging, inner force,
To live a joy that swells too full for song.



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