I Lifeblood and spirit-fire Went to its making: Surely the Maker found (His for the taking) All a kind word could show Of gracious living, And happy stars could give, Lavishly giving -- Honor and easefulness, Wealth to buy leisure, Beauty of man's device, Nature's high pleasure, White moons to glorify Times of far roaming, Orchards in bloom to make Sweet the home-coming II Lifeblood and spirit-fire Went to its making: Surely the Maker found Naught for free taking. It was a warring soul Flamed in such fashion, Not from a heart at ease Bled this pure passion. Honor he served the while Loud tongues decried him, Beauty the more because Much was denied him; Pan in the darkness laid Paths for his roaming, Thorn-branch and rue were cut For his home-coming. III Lifeblood and spirit-fire Went to its making: Who knows what planet ruled At its awaking? Plenty may starve a soul, Dearth feed another, Joy bring to one the gift Grief gives his brother; One finds a Calvary In Eden-places, One builds all beauty from Beauty's faint traces . . . . Weal-star or bale-star may Pilot the roaming, Yet will a singer's heart Sing at home-coming. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...EARTH'S IMMORTALITIES: LOVE by ROBERT BROWNING WORDLY WISE (10) by MOTHER GOOSE NEARER by ROBERT MALISE BOWYER NICHOLS THE TROOPS by SIEGFRIED SASSOON THE SHOEMAKERS by JOHN GREENLEAF WHITTIER A PASSAGE IN THE LIFE OF ST. AUGUSTINE by NICHOLAS BRETON THE POET'S TERROR AT THE BALIFFS OF EXETER, FR. FREEDOM: A POEM by ANDREW BRICE |