Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SANDY ISLE by CHARLES LOUIS HENRY WAGNER

First Line: WHEN THE SOUTH-WIND COMES A-BRINGING
Last Line: SANDY ISLE.
Subject(s): ANXIETY; ISLANDS; MEMORY;

When the south-wind comes a-bringing
Springtime birds so sweetly singing
All the while,
Then there comes upon me stealing
Quite a restless, anxious feeling,
And my memory's revealing
Sandy Isle.

I can see the tall pines standing
Like a guard as if commanding
Rock and pile,
And I hear the constant flapping
Of the water gently lapping
Golden sands which are enwrapping
Sandy Isle.

I can see the mountains ranging,
Grand, majestic and unchanging
Mile on mile,
How I often used to wonder
If Dame Nature made a blunder
When she cut from them asunder
Sandy Isle.

I have plucked the sweet mayflower
In each leafy, hidden bower
And defile,
I have heard the bees intoning,
And I've listened to the moaning
Of the trees which are enthroning
Sandy Isle.

I have seen the moon bestrewing
Its fair beams the lake a-wooing
With a smile,
From your shores I've seen the gleaming
Sunset's brilliant colors streaming
On the waters that lie dreaming,
Sandy Isle.

I have heard the Storm God raging
As if he were then presaging
Your exile,
I have watched the lightning flashing,
And I've heard the thunders crashing,
I have seen the waters lashing.
Sandy Isle.

Now the south-wind seems to taunt me,
And these recollections haunt me
And beguile,
Urban joys on me are palling,
There is little left enthralling,
For I hear your voice a-calling
Sandy Isle.



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