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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LANDFALL by CALE YOUNG RICE

First Line: LANDFALL AT DAWN, AND MADEIRA ROSE FROM THE SEA
Last Line: AND SINKING GLAD TO HIS KNEES.
Subject(s): HEARTS; LANDFALL; SEA; SHIPS & SHIPPING; OCEAN;

Landfall at dawn, and Madeira rose from the sea,
Summited by the sun, a miracle that poured
Soft dream-gold down shadowy slopes
And dark ravines still sleeping,
To the white surf breaking
Against barbaric shores.

O the lift of the heart, when islands drift from the sea, thus,
After long days of believing there is no land in the world.
Who, from a vessel's bow,
Beholds them is a Columbus,
Crying 'San Salvador!'
And sinking glad to his knees.



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