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  ToMrs。EdmundLeamyContentsMainStreetRoofsTheSnowmanintheYardABlueValentineHousesInMemoryApologyTheProudPoetLionelJohnsonFatherGerardHopkins,S。J。

  GatesandDoorsTheRobeofChristTheSingingGirlTheAnnunciationRosesTheVisitationMultiplicationThanksgivingTheThornTheBigTopQueenElizabethSpeaksMid—oceaninWar—timeInMemoryofRupertBrookeTheNewSchoolEasterWeekTheCathedralofRheimsKingsTheWhiteShipsandtheRedMainStreetandOtherPoemsMainStreet(ForS。M。L。)

  Iliketolookattheblossomytrackofthemoonuponthesea,Butitisn’thalfsofineasightasMainStreetusedtobeWhenitallwascoveredoverwithacoupleoffeetofsnow,Andoverthecrispandradiantroadtheringingsleighswouldgo。

  Now,MainStreetborderedwithautumnleaves,itwasapleasantthing,AnditsguttersweregaywithdandelionsearlyintheSpring;

  Iliketothinkofitwhitewithfrostordustyintheheat,BecauseIthinkitishumanerthananyotherstreet。

  Acitystreetthatisbusyandwideisgroundbyathousandwheels,Andaburdenoftrafficonitsbreastisalliteverfeels:

  Itisdullyconsciousofweightandspeedandofworkthatneverends,ButitcannotbehumanlikeMainStreet,andrecogniseitsfriends。

  TherewereonlyaboutahundredteamsonMainStreetinaday,Andtwentyorthirtypeople,Iguess,andsomechildrenouttoplay。

  Andtherewasn’tawagonorbuggy,oramanoragirloraboyThatMainStreetdidn’tremember,andsomehowseemtoenjoy。

  ThetruckandthemotorandtrolleycarandtheelevatedtrainTheymakethewearycitystreetreverberatewithpain:

  ButthereisyetanecholeftdeepdownwithinmyheartOfthemusictheMainStreetcobblestonesmadebeneathabutcher’scart。

  GodbethankedfortheMilkyWaythatrunsacrossthesky,That’sthepaththatmyfeetwouldtreadwheneverIhavetodie。

  SomefolkscallitaSilverSword,andsomeaPearlyCrown,ButtheonlythingIthinkitis,isMainStreet,Heaventown。

  Roofs(ForAmeliaJosephineBurr)

  Theroadiswideandthestarsareoutandthebreathofthenightissweet,Andthisisthetimewhenwanderlustshouldseizeuponmyfeet。

  ButI’mgladtoturnfromtheopenroadandthestarlightonmyface,Andtoleavethesplendourofout—of—doorsforahumandwellingplace。

  IneverhaveseenavagabondwhoreallylikedtoroamAllupanddownthestreetsoftheworldandnottohaveahome:

  ThetrampwhosleptinyourbarnlastnightandleftatbreakofdayWillwanderonlyuntilhefindsanotherplacetostay。

  Agypsy—manwillsleepinhiscartwithcanvasoverhead;

  Orelsehe’llgointohistentwhenitistimeforbed。

  He’llsitonthegrassandtakehiseasesolongasthesunishigh,Butwhenitisdarkhewantsarooftokeepawaythesky。

  Ifyoucallagypsyavagabond,Ithinkyoudohimwrong,Forhenevergoesa—travellingbuthetakeshishomealong。

  Andtheonlyreasonaroadisgood,aseverywandererknows,Isjustbecauseofthehomes,thehomes,thehomestowhichitgoes。

  Theysaythatlifeisahighwayanditsmilestonesaretheyears,Andnowandthenthere’satoll—gatewhereyoubuyyourwaywithtears。

  It’saroughroadandasteeproadanditstretchesbroadandfar,ButatlastitleadstoagoldenTownwheregoldenHousesare。

  TheSnowmanintheYard(ForThomasAugustineDaly)

  TheJudge’shousehasasplendidporch,withpillarsandstepsofstone,AndtheJudgehasalovelyfloweringhedgethatcamefromacrosstheseas;

  IntheHales’garageyoucouldputmyhouseandeverythingIown,AndtheHaleshavealawnlikeanemeraldandarowofpoplartrees。

  NowIhaveonlyalittlehouse,andonlyalittlelot,Andonlyafewsquareyardsoflawn,withdandelionsstarred;

  ButwhenWintercomes,IhavesomethingtherethattheJudgeandtheHaleshavenot,Andit’sbetterworthhavingthanalltheirwealth——

  it’sasnowmanintheyard。

  TheJudge’smoneybringsarchitectstomakehismansionfair;

  TheHaleshavesevengardenerstomaketheirrosesgrow;

  TheJudgecangethistreesfromSpainandFranceandeverywhere,Andraisehisorchidsunderglassinthemidstofallthesnow。

  ButIhavesomethingnoarchitectorgardenerevermade,Athingthatisshapedbythebusytouchoflittlemittenedhands:

  AndtheJudgewouldgiveuphislonelyestate,wherethelevelsnowislaidForthetinyhousewiththetrampledyard,theyardwherethesnowmanstands。

  TheysaythatafterAdamandEveweredrivenawayintearsTotoilandsuffertheirlife—timethrough,becauseofthesintheysinned,TheLordmadeWintertopunishthemforhalftheirexiledyears,Tochilltheirbloodwiththesnow,andpiercetheirfleshwiththeicywind。

  Butwewhoinherittheprimalcurse,andlabourforourbread,Haveyet,thankGod,thegiftofHome,thoughEden’sgateisbarred:

  AndthroughtheWinter’scrystalveil,Love’srosesblossomred,Forhimwholivesinahousethathasasnowmanintheyard。

  ABlueValentine(ForAline)

  Monsignore,RightReverendBishopValentinus,SometimeofInteramna,whichiscalledFerni,NowofthedelightfulCourtofHeaven,Irespectfullysaluteyou,IgenuflectAndIkissyourepiscopalring。

  Itisnot,Monsignore,Thefragrantmemoryofyourholylife,Northatofyourshiningandjoyousmartyrdom,Whichcausesmenowtoaddressyou。

  Butsincethisisyouraugustfestival,Monsignore,ItseemsappropriatetometostateAccordingtoavenerableandagreeablecustom,ThatIloveabeautifullady。

  Hereyes,Monsignore,AresobluethattheyputlovelylittlebluereflectionsOneverythingthatshelooksat,SuchasawallOrthemoonOrmyheart。

  Itislikethelightcomingthroughbluestainedglass,Yetnotquitelikeit,Forthebluenessisnottransparent,Onlytranslucent。

  Hersoul’slightshinesthrough,Buthersoulcannotbeseen。

  Itissomethingelusive,whimsical,tender,wanton,infantile,wiseAndnoble。

  Shewears,Monsignore,abluegarment,MadeinthemanneroftheJapanese。

  Itisveryblue——

  Ithinkthathereyeshavemadeitmoreblue,SweetlystainingitAsthepressureofherbodyhasgraciouslygivenitform。

  Lovingher,Monsignore,Iloveallherattributes;

  ButIbelieveThatevenifIdidnotloveherIwouldlovethebluenessofhereyes,Andherbluegarment,madeinthemanneroftheJapanese。

  Monsignore,Ihaveneverbeforetroubledyouwitharequest。

  ThesaintswhoseearsIchieflyworrywithmypleasarethemostexquisiteandmaternalBrigid,GallantSaintStephen,whoputsfireinmyblood,Andyourbrotherbishop,mypatron,ThegenerousandjovialSaintNicholasofBari。

  But,ofyourcourtesy,Monsignore,Domethisfavour:

  WhenyouthismorningmakeyourwayTotheIvoryThronethatburstsintobloomwithrosesbecauseofherwhositsuponit,WhenyoucometopayyourdevoirtoOurLady,Ibegyou,saytoher:

  \"Madame,apoorpoet,oneofyoursingingservantsyetonearth,HasaskedmetosaythatatthismomentheisespeciallygratefultoyouForwearingabluegown。\"

  Houses(ForAline)

  WhenyoushalldieandtotheskySerenely,delicatelygo,SaintPeter,whenheseesyouthere,Willclashhiskeysandsay:

  \"Nowtalktoher,SirChristopher!

  Andhurry,Michelangelo!

  Shewantstoplayatbuilding,Andyou’vegottohelpherplay!\"

  EveryarchitectwillhelperectApalaceonalawnofcloud,Withrainbowbeamsandasunsetroof,Andalevelstar—tiledfloor;

  AndatyourwillyoumayusetheskillOfthisgayangeliccrowd,Whenahouseismadeyouwillthrowitdown,Andthey’llbuildyoutwentymore。

  ForChristopherWrenandtheseothermenWhousedtobuildonearthWilllovetogotoworkagainIftheymayworkforyou。

  \"Thisporch,\"you’llsay,\"shouldgothisway!\"

  Andthey’llworkforallthey’reworth,Andthey’llcometoyourpalaceeverymorning,Andaskyouwhattodo。

  AndwhennightcomesdownonHeaven—town(Ifthereshouldbenightupthere)

  YouwillchoosethehouseyoulikethebestOfallthatyoucansee:

  AnditswallswillglowasyoudrowsilygoTothebedupthegoldenstair,AndIhopeyou’llbegentleenoughtokeepAroominyourhouseforme。

  InMemoryI

  Sereneandbeautifulandverywise,MosteruditeincuriousGrecianlore,Youlayandreadyourlearnedbooks,andboreAweightofunshedtearsandsilentsighs。

  ThesongwithinyourheartcouldneverriseUntillovebadeitspreaditswingsandsoar。

  NorcouldyoulookonBeauty’sfacebeforeApoet’sburningmouthhadtouchedyoureyes。

  Loveismadeoutofecstasyandwonder;

  Loveisapoignantandaccustomedpain。

  ItisaburstofHeaven—shakingthunder;

  Itisalinnet’sflutingafterrain。

  Love’svoiceisthroughyoursong;aboveandunderAndineachnotetoechoandremain。

  II

  BecauseMankindisgladandbraveandyoung,Fullofgayflamesthatwhiteandscarletglow,AlljoysandpassionsthatMankindmayknowByyouwerenoblyfeltandnoblysung。

  BecauseMankind’shearteverydayiswrungByFate’swildhandsthattwistandtearitso,ThereforeyouechoedMan’sundyingwoe,AharpAeolianonLife’sbrancheshung。

  SodidtheghostsoftoilingchildrenhoverAboutthepiteousportalsofyourmind;

  Youreyes,thatlookedonglory,coulddiscoverTheangryscartowhichtheworldwasblind:

  AnditwasgriefthatmadeMankindyourlover,AnditwasgriefthatmadeyouloveMankind。

  III

  BeforeChristlefttheCitadelofLight,Totreadthedreadfulwayofhumanbirth,HisshadowsometimesfellupontheearthAndthosewhosawitweptwithjoyandfright。

  \"ThouartApollo,thanthesunmorebright!\"

  Theycried。\"Ourmusicisoflittleworth,ButthrillourbloodwiththycreativemirthThougodofsong,thoulordoflyricmight!\"

  Osingingpilgrim!whocouldloveandfollowYourloverChrist,throughevenlove’sdespair,Youknewwithinthecypress—darkenedhollowThefeetthatonthemountainaresofair。

  ForitwasChristthatwasyourownApollo,Andthornswereinthelaurelonyourhair。

  Apology(ForEleanorRogersCox)

  ForblowsonthefortofevilThatnevershowsabreach,Forterriblelife—longracesToagoalnofootcanreach,ForrecklessleapsintodarknessWithhandsoutstretchedtoastar,ThereisjubilationinHeavenWherethegreatdeadpoetsare。

  ThereisjoyoverdisappointmentAnddelightinhopesthatwerevain。

  EachpoetisgladtherewasnocureTostophislonelypain。

  FornothingkeepsapoetInhishighsingingmoodLikeunappeasablehungerForunattainablefood。

  SofoolsaregladofthefollyThatmadethemweepandsing,AndKeatsisthankfulforFannyBrawneAndDrummondforhisking。

  TheyknowthatonflintysorrowAndfailureanddesireThesteeloftheirsoulswashammeredTobringforththelyricfire。

  LordByronandShelleyandPlunkett,McDonoughandHuntandPearseSeenowwhytheirhatredoftyrantsWassoinsistentlyfierce。

  IsFreedomonlyaWill—o’—the—wispTocheatapoet’seye?

  Beitphantomorfact,it’sanoblecauseInwhichtosingandtodie!

  SonotfortheRainbowtakenAndthemagicalWhiteBirdsnaredThepoetssinggratefulcarolsIntheplacetowhichtheyhavefared;

  Butfortheirlifetime’spassion,Thequestthatwasfruitlessandlong,TheychorustheirloudthanksgivingTothethorn—crownedMasterofSong。

  TheProudPoet(ForShaemasOSheel)

  OnewinternightaDevilcameandsatuponmybed,Hiseyeswerefulloflaughterforhisheartwasfullofcrime。

  \"Whydon’tyoutakeupfancywork,orembroidery?\"hesaid,\"Foraneedleisasmanlyatoolasapenthatmakesarhyme!\"

  \"YoulittleuglyDevil,\"saidI,\"gobacktoHellFortheideayouexpressIwillnotlistento:

  Ihavetroubleenoughwithpoetryandpovertyaswell,Withouthavingtopayattentiontooratorslikeyou。

  \"Whenyousayofthemakingofballadsandsongsthatitiswoman’sworkYouforgetallthefightingpoetsthathavebeenineveryland。

  TherewasByronwholeftallhislady—lovestofightagainsttheTurk,AndDavid,theSingingKingoftheJews,whowasbornwithaswordinhishand。

  ItwasyesterdaythatRupertBrookewentouttotheWarsanddied,AndSirPhilipSidney’slyricvoicewasassweetashisarmwasstrong;

  AndSirWalterRaleighmettheaxeasalovermeetshisbride,Becausehecarriedinhissoulthecourageofhissong。

  \"AndthereisnoconsolationsoquickeningtotheheartAsthewarmthandwhitenessthatcomefromthelinesofnoblepoetry。

  Itisstrongjoytoreaditwhenthewoundsofthespiritsmart,Itputstheflameinalonelybreastwhereonlyashesbe。

  Itisstrongjoytoreadit,andtomakeitisathingThatexaltsamanwithasacrederpridethananyprideonearth。

  Foritmakeshimkneeltoabrokenslaveandsethisfootonaking,AnditshakesthewallsofhislittlesoulwiththeechoofGod’smirth。

  \"TherewasthepoetHomerhadthesorrowtobeblind,Yetahundredpeoplewithgoodeyeswouldlistentohimallnight;

  Fortheytookgreatenjoymentintheheavenofhismind,Andweregladwhentheoldblindpoetletthemsharehispowersofsight。

  AndtherewasHeinelyingonhismattressalldaylong,Hehadnowealth,hehadnofriends,hehadnojoyatall,Excepttopourhissorrowintolittlecupsofsong,Andtheworldfindsinthemthemagicwinethathisbrokenheartletfall。

  \"AndtheseareonlyacoupleofnamesfromalistofathousandscoreWhohaveputtheirgloryontheworldinpovertyandpain。

  Andthetitleofpoet’sanoblething,worthlivinganddyingfor,ThoughallthedevilsonearthandinHellspitatmetheirdisdain。

  Itissternwork,itisperilouswork,tothrustyourhandinthesunAndpulloutasparkofimmortalflametowarmtheheartsofmen:

  ButPrometheus,tornbytheclawsandbeakswhosetaskisneverdone,Wouldbetorturedanothereternitytogostealingfireagain。\"

  LionelJohnson(FortheRev。JohnJ。Burke,C。S。P。)

  TherewasamurkiertingeinLondon’sairAsifthehonestfogblushedblackforshame。

  Foolssangofsin,forotherfools’acclaim,AndMilton’swreathwastossedtoBaudelaire。

  Theflowersofevilblossomedeverywhere,ButintheirmidstaradiantlilycameCandescent,pure,acupoflivingflame,Bloomedforaday,andlefttheearthmorefair。

  AndwasitCharles,thy\"fairandfatalKing\",Whobadetheewelcometothelovelyland?

  OrdidLordDavidceasetoharpandsingTotakeinhisthineemulativehand?

  OrdidOurLady’ssmileshineforth,tobringHerlyricKnightwithinherchoirtostand?

  FatherGerardHopkins,S。J。

  Whydidstthoucarvethyspeechlaboriously,Andmatchandblendthywordswithcuriousart?

  ForSong,onesaith,isbutahumanheartSpeakingaloud,undisciplinedandfree。

  Nay,Godbepraised,Whofixedthytaskforthee!

  Austere,ecstaticcraftsman,setapartFromallwhotrafficinApollo’smart,OnthyphrasedpatenshalltheSplendourbe!

  Now,carelesslywethrowarhymetoGod,SingingHispraisewhenothersongsaredone。

  Butthou,whoknewestpathsTeresatrod,Losingthyself,whatisitthouhastwon?

  Obleedingfeet,withpeaceandgloryshod!

  Ohappymoth,thatflewintotheSun!

  GatesandDoors(ForRichardsonLittleWright)

  Therewasagentlehostler(Andblessedbehisname!)

  HeopenedupthestableThenightOurLadycame。

  OurLadyandSaintJoseph,Hegavethemfoodandbed,AndJesusChristhasgivenhimAgloryroundhishead。

  SoletthegateswingopenHoweverpoortheyard,LestwearypeoplevisityouAndfindtheirpassagebarred;

  UnlatchthedooratmidnightAndletyourlantern’sglowShineouttoguidethetraveler’sfeetToyouacrossthesnow。

  Therewasacourteoushostler(HeisinHeavento—night)

  HeheldOurLady’sbridleAndhelpedhertoalight;

  HespreadcleanstrawbeforeherWhereonshemightliedown,AndJesusChristhasgivenhimAneverlastingcrown。

  UnlockthedoorthiseveningAndletyourgateswingwide,LetallwhoaskforshelterComespeedilyinside。

  Whatifyouryardbenarrow?

  Whatifyourhousebesmall?

  ThereisaGuestiscomingWillglorifyitall。

  TherewasajoyoushostlerWhokneltonChristmasmornBesidetheradiantmangerWhereinhisLordwasborn。

  Hisheartwasfulloflaughter,HissoulwasfullofblissWhenJesus,onHisMother’slap,GavehimHishandtokiss。

  UnbaryourheartthiseveningAndkeepnostrangerout,Takefromyoursoul’sgreatportalThebarrierofdoubt。

  TohumblefolkandwearyGiveheartywelcoming,Yourbreastshallbeto—morrowThecradleofaKing。

  TheRobeofChrist(ForCecilChesterton)

  AtthefootoftheCrossonCalvaryThreesoldierssatanddiced,AndoneofthemwastheDevilAndhewontheRobeofChrist。

  WhentheDevilcomesinhisproperformTothechamberwhereIdwell,IknowhimandmaketheSignoftheCrossWhichdriveshimbacktoHell。

  AndwhenhecomeslikeafriendlymanAndputshishandinmine,ThefervourinhisvoiceisnotFromloveorjoyorwine。

  Andwhenhecomeslikeawoman,Withlovely,smilingeyes,BlackdreamsfloatoverhisgoldenheadLikeaswarmofcarrionflies。

  NowmanyamilliontorturedsoulsInhisredhallstherebe:

  WhydoeshespendhissubtlecraftInhuntingafterme?

  Kings,queensandcrestedwarriorsWhosememoryringsthroughtime,Thesearehisprey,andwhattohimIsthispoormanofrhyme,Thathe,withsuchlaboriousskill,Shouldchangefromroletorole,ShoulddailyactsomanyapartTogetmylittlesoul?

  Oh,hecanbetheforest,Andhecanbethesun,Orabuttercup,oranhourofrestWhenthewearydayisdone。

  Isawhimthroughathousandveils,Andhasnotthissufficed?

  Now,mustIlookontheDevilrobedIntheradiantRobeofChrist?

  Hecomes,andhisfaceissadandmild,Withthornshisheadiscrowned;

  Therearegreatbleedingwoundsinhisfeet,Andineachhandawound。

  HowcanItell,whoamafool,IfthisbeChristorno?

  Thosebleedinghandsoutstretchedtome!

  Thoseeyesthatlovemeso!

  IseetheRobe——Ilook——Ihope——

  Ifear——butthereisoneWhowilldirectmytroubledmind;

  Christ’sMotherknowsherSon。

  OMotherofGoodCounsel,lendIntelligencetome!

  Encompassmewithwisdom,ThouTowerofIvory!

  \"ThisistheManofLies,\"shesays,\"Disguisedwithfearfulart:

  Hehasthewoundedhandsandfeet,Butnotthewoundedheart。\"

  BesidetheCrossonCalvaryShewatchedthemastheydiced。

  ShesawtheDeviljointhegameAndwintheRobeofChrist。

  TheSingingGirl(FortheRev。EdwardF。Garesche,S。J。)

  TherewasalittlemaidenInblueandsilverdrest,ShesangtoGodinHeavenAndGodwithinherbreast。

  Itfloodedmewithpleasure,Itpiercedmelikeasword,Whenthisyoungmaidensang:\"MysoulDothmagnifytheLord。\"

  ThestarssingalltogetherAndheartheangelssing,ButtheysaidtheyhadneverheardSobeautifulathing。

  SaintMaryandSaintJoseph,AndSaintElizabeth,PrayforuspoetsnowAndatthehourofdeath。

  TheAnnunciation(ForHelenParryEden)

  \"HailMary,fullofgrace,\"theAngelsaith。

  OurLadybowsherhead,andisashamed;

  ShehasaBridegroomWhomaynotbenamed,HermortalfleshbearsHimWhoconquersdeath。

  Nowinthedustherspiritgrovelleth;

  ToobrightaSunbeforehereyeshasflamed,Toofairaheraldjoytoohighproclaimed,AndhumanlipshavetrembledinGod’sbreath。

  OMother—Maid,thouartashamedtocoverWiththywhiteself,whereonnostaincanbe,ThyGod,WhocamefromHeaventobethyLover,ThyGod,WhocamefromHeaventodwellinthee。

  Aboutthyheadcelestiallegionshover,Chantingthepraiseofthyhumility。

  Roses(ForKatherineBregy)

  Iwenttogatherrosesandtwinetheminaring,ForIwouldmakeaposy,aposyfortheKing。

  Igotanhundredroses,theloveliesttherebe,Fromthewhiterosevineandthepinkrosebushandfromtheredrosetree。

  ButwhenItookmyposyandlaiditatHisfeetIfoundHehadHisrosesamilliontimesmoresweet。

  Therewasascarletblossomuponeachfootandhand,AndagreatpinkrosebloomedfromHissideforthehealingoftheland。

  NowofthisfairandawfulKingthereisthismarveltold,ThatHewearsacrownoflinkedthornsinsteadofoneofgold。

  Wheretherearethornsareroses,andIsawalineofred,AlittlewreathofrosesaroundHisradianthead。

  AredroseisHisSacredHeart,awhiteroseisHisface,AndHisbreathhasturnedthebarrenworldtoarichandfloweryplace。

  HeistheRoseofSharon,HisgardeneramI,AndIshalldrinkHisfragranceinHeavenwhenIdie。

  TheVisitation(ForLouiseImogenGuiney)

  ThereisawalloffleshbeforetheeyesOfJohn,whoyetperceivesandhailshisKing。

  ItisOurLady’spainfulblisstobringBeforemankindtheGloryoftheskies。

  Hercousinfeelsherwomb’ssweetburdenriseAndleapwithjoy,andshecomesforthtosing,Withtremblingmouth,herwordsofwelcoming。

  SheknowsherhiddenGod,andprophesies。

  SaintJohn,prayforus,wearysoulsthattarryWherelifeiswitheredbysin’sdeadlybreath。

  Prayforus,whomthedogsofSatanharry,SaintJohn,SaintAnne,andSaintElizabeth。

  And,MotherMary,giveusChristtocarryWithinourhearts,thatwemayconquerdeath。

  Multiplication(ForS。M。E。)

  Itakemyleave,withsorrow,ofHimIlovesowell;

  IlookmylastuponHissmallandradiantprison—cell;

  Ohappylamp!toserveHimwithneverceasinglight!

  Ohappyflame!totrembleforeverinHissight!

  Ileavetheholyquietfortheloudlyhumantrain,AndmyheartthatHehasbreatheduponisfilledwithlonelypain。

  OKing,OFriend,OLover!WhatsorergriefcanbeInallthereddestdepthsofHellthanbanishmentfromThee?

  ButfrommywindowasIspeedacrossthesleepinglandIseethetownsandvillageswhereinHishousesstand。

  AbovetheroofsIseeacrossoutlinedagainstthenight,AndIknowthattheremyLoverdwellsinHissacramentalmight。

  DominionskneelbeforeHim,andPowerskissHisfeet,YetformeHekeepsHiswearywatchintheturmoilofthestreet:

  TheKingofKingsawaitsme,whereverImaygo,OwhoamIthatHeshoulddeigntoloveandservemeso?

  Thanksgiving(ForJohnBunker)

  Theroaroftheworldisinmyears。

  ThankGodfortheroaroftheworld!

  ThankGodforthemightytideoffearsAgainstmealwayshurled!

  ThankGodforthebitterandceaselessstrife,AndthestingofHischasteningrod!

  ThankGodforthestressandthepainoflife,AndOh,thankGodforGod!

  TheThorn(FortheRev。CharlesL。O’Donnell,C。S。C。)

  ThegardenofGodisaradiantplace,Andeveryflowerhasaholyface:

  OurLadylikealilybendsabovethecloudysod,ButSaintMichaelisthethornontherosebushofGod。

  DavidisthesonguponGod’slips,AndOurLadyisthegobletthatHesips:

  AndGabriel’sthebreathofHiscommand,ButSaintMichaelistheswordinGod’srighthand。

  TheIvoryTowerisfairtosee,Andmayherwallsencompassme!

  ButwhentheDevilcomeswiththethunderofhismight,SaintMichael,showmehowtofight!

  TheBigTopTheboomandblareofthebigbrassbandischeeringtomyheartAndIlikethesmellofthetrampledgrassandelephantsandhay。

  Itakeoffmyhattotheacrobatwithhisdelicate,strongart,Andthemotleymirthofthechalk—facedclowndrivesallmycareaway。

  IwishIcouldfeelastheymustfeel,theseplayersbraveandfair,Whononchalantlyjuggledeathbeforeastaringthrong。

  ItmustbefinetowalkalineofsilverintheairAndtocleaveahundredfeetofspacewithagesturelikeasong。

  SirHenryIrvingneverknewakeener,sweeterthrillThanthatwhichstirsthebreastofhimwhoturnshispaintedfaceTothecirclingcrowdwholaughaloudandclaphandswithawillAsatributetotheclownwhowonthegreatwheel—barrowrace。

  Now,oneshallworkinthelivingrockwithamalletandaknife,Andanothershalldanceonabigwhitehorsethatcantersroundaring,Byanother’shandshallcoloursstandinsimilitudeoflife;

  Andtheheartsofthethreeshallbemovedbyonemysterioushighthing。

  Forthesculptorandtheacrobatandthepainterarethesame。

  Theyknowonehope,onefear,onepride,onesorrowandonemirth,Andtheytakedelightintheendlessfightforthefickleworld’sacclaim;

  Fortheyworshipartabovethecloudsandserveherontheearth。

  Butyou,whocanbuildofthestubbornrocknoformofloveliness,Whocannevermingletheradianthuestomakeawonderlive,Whocanonlyshowyourlittlewoetotheworldinarhythmicdress——

  Whatkindofacounterpartofyoudoesthethree—ringcircusgive?

  Well——hereinthelittleside—showtentto—daysomepeoplestand,Oneisagiant,oneadwarf,andonehasafiguredskin,AndeachisscarredandsearedandmarredbyFate’srelentlesshand,Andeachoneshowshisgriefforpay,withasortofpridetherein。

  Youputyoursorrowintorhymeandwanttheworldtolook;

  Yousingthenewsofyourruinedhopeandwanttheworldtohear;

  Theirwoeispentinacanvastentandyoursinaprintedbook。

  O,poetofthebrokenheart,saluteyourbrothershere!

  QueenElizabethSpeaksMyhandswerestainedwithblood,myheartwasproudandcold,Mysoulisblackwithshame……butIgaveShakespearegold。

  Soafteraeonsofflame,Imay,bygraceofGod,RiseuptokissthedustthatShakespeare’sfeethavetrod。

  Mid—oceaninWar—time(ForMyMother)

  Thefragilesplendourofthelevelsea,Themoon’ssereneandsilver—veiledface,MakeofthisvesselanenchantedplaceFullofwhitemirthandgoldensorcery。

  Now,foratime,shallcarelesslaughterbeBlendedwithsong,tolendsongsweetergrace,Andtheoldstars,intheirunendingrace,Shallheedandenvyyounghumanity。

  Andyetto—night,ahundredleaguesaway,Thesewatersblushastrangeandawfulred。

  Beforethemoon,acloudobscenelygreyRisesfromdecksthatcrashwithflyinglead。

  AndthesestarssmiletheirimmemorialwayOnwavesthatshroudathousandnewlydead!

  InMemoryofRupertBrookeInalienearth,acrossatroubledsea,Hisbodyliesthatwassofairandyoung。

  Hismouthisstopped,withhalfhissongsunsung;

  Hisarmisstill,thatstrucktomakemenfree。

  ButletnocloudoflamentationbeWhere,onawarrior’sgrave,alyreishung。

  Wekeeptheechoesofhisgoldentongue,Wekeepthevisionofhischivalry。

  SoIsrael’sjoy,theloveliestofkings,Smotenowhisharp,andnowthehostilehorde。

  To—daythestarryroofofHeavenringsWithpsalmsasoldiermadetopraisehisLord;

  AndDavidrestsbeneathEternalwings,Songonhislips,andinhishandasword。

  TheNewSchool(ForMyMother)

  ThehallsthatwereloudwiththemerrytreadofyoungandcarelessfeetArestillwithastillnessthatistoodreartoseemlikeholiday,AndneveragustoflaughterbreaksthecalmofthedreamingstreetOrrisestoshaketheiviedwallsandfrightenthedovesaway。

  Thedustisonbookandonemptydesk,andthetennis—racquetandballsLiestillintheirlonelylockerandwaitforagamethatisneverplayed,Andoverthestudyandlecture—roomandtheriverandmeadowfallsAsternpeace,astrangepeace,apeacethatWarhasmade。

  Formanyayouthfulshouldernowisgaywithanepaulet,Andthehandthatwasdeftwithacricket—batisdefterwithasword,Andsomeoftheladswilllaughto—daywherethetrenchisredandwet,AndsomewillwinonthebloodyfieldtheaccoladeoftheLord。

  Theyhavetakentheiryouthandmirthawayfromthestudyandplaying—groundToanewschoolinanalienlandbeneathanaliensky;

  Outinthesmokeandroarofthefighttheirlessonsandgamesarefound,Andtheywhowerelearninghowtolivearelearninghowtodie。

  Andafterthegoldendayhascomeandthewarisatanend,Aslabofbronzeonthechapelwallwilltellofthenobledead。

  Andeverynameonthatradiantlistwillbethenameofafriend,Anamethatshallthroughthecenturiesingratefulprayersbesaid。

  Andtherewillbeghostsintheoldschool,braveghostswithlaughingeyes,Onthefieldwithaghostlycricket—bat,bythestreamwithaghostlyrod;

  Theywilltouchtheheartsofthelivingwithaflamethatsanctifies,Aflamethattheytookwithstrongyounghandsfromthealtar—firesofGod。

  EasterWeek(InmemoryofJosephMaryPlunkett)

  (\"RomanticIreland’sdeadandgone,It’swithO’Learyinthegrave。\")

  WilliamButlerYeats。

  \"RomanticIreland’sdeadandgone,It’swithO’Learyinthegrave。\"

  Then,Yeats,whatgavethatEasterdawnAhuesoradiantlybrave?

  Therewasarainofbloodthatday,RedrainingayblueAprilweather。

  ItblessedtheearthtillitgavebirthTovalourthickasbloomsofheather。

  RomanticIrelandneverdies!

  O’Learyliesinfertileground,AndsongsandspearsthroughouttheyearsRiseupwherepatriotgravesarefound。

  ImmortalpatriotsnewlydeadAndyethatbledinbygoneyears,Whatbannersrisebeforeyoureyes?

  Whatisthetunethatgreetsyourears?

  TheyoungRepublic’sbannerssmileFormanyamilewheretroopsconvene。

  O’ConnellStreetisloudlysweetWithstrainsofWearingoftheGreen。

  ThesoilofIrelandthrobsandglowsWithlifethatknowsthehourishereTostrikeagainlikeIrishmenForthatwhichIrishmenholddear。

  LordEdwardleaveshisrestingplaceAndSarsfield’sfaceisgladandfierce。

  SeeEmmetleapfromtroubledsleepTograspthehandofPadraicPearse!

  ThereisnoropecanstranglesongAndnotforlongdeathtakeshistoll。

  NoprisonbarscandimthestarsNorquicklimeeatthelivingsoul。

  RomanticIrelandisnotold。

  Foryearsuntoldheryouthwillshine。

  HerheartisfedonHeavenlybread,Thebloodofmartyrsisherwine。

  TheCathedralofRheims(FromtheFrenchofEmileVerhaeren)

  HewhowalksthroughthemeadowsofChampagneAtnooninFall,whenleaveslikegoldappear,SeesitdrawnearLikesomegreatmountainsetupontheplain,Fromradiantdawnuntilthecloseofday,NeareritgrowsTohimwhogoesAcrossthecountry。WhentalltowerslayTheirshadowypallUponhisway,Heenters,whereThesolidstoneisholloweddeepbyallItscenturiesofbeautyandofprayer。

  AncientFrenchtemple!thouwhosehundredkingsWatchoverthee,emblazonedonthywalls,Tellme,withinthymemory—hallowedhallsWhatchantoftriumph,orwhatwar—songrings?

  ThouhastknownClovisandhisFrankishtrain,WhosemightyhandSaintRemy’shanddidkeepAndinthyspaciousvaultperhapsmaysleepAnechoofthevoiceofCharlemagne。

  ForGodthouhasknownfear,whenfromHissideMenwandered,seekingalienshrinesandnew,ButstilltheskywasbountifulandblueAndthouwastcrownedwithFrance’sloveandpride。

  Sacredthouart,frompinnacletobase;

  AndinthypanesofgoldandscarletglassThesettingsunseesthousandfoldhisface;

  Sorrowandjoy,instatelysilencepassAcrossthywalls,theshadowandthelight;

  Aroundthyloftypillars,taperswhiteIlluminate,withdelicatesharpflames,Thebrowsofsaintswithvenerablenames,Andinthenighterectafierywall。

  AgreatbutsilentfervourburnsinallThosesimplefolkwhokneel,pathetic,dumb,Andknowthatdownbelow,besidetheRhine——

  Cannon,horses,soldiers,flagsinline——

  Withblareoftrumpets,mightyarmiescome。

  Suddenly,eachknowsfear;

  Swiftrumourspass,thateveryonemusthear,ThehostilebannersblazeagainsttheskyAndbytheembassiesmobsrageandcry。

  Nowwarhascome,andpeaceisatanend。

  OnParistowntheGermantroopsdescend。

  Theyareturnedback,anddriventoChampagne。

  Andnow,astosomanywearymen,Theglorioustemplegivesthemwelcome,whenItmeetsthematthebottomoftheplain。

  Atonce,theysettheircannoninitsway。

  Thereisnogablenow,norwallThatdoesnotsuffer,nightandday,Asshotandshellincrushingtorrentsfall。

  Thestrickentocsinquiversthroughthetower;

  Thetriplenave,theapse,thelonelychoirArecircled,hourbyhour,WiththunderingbandsoffireAndDeathisscatteredbroadcastamongmen。

  AndthenThatwhichwassplendidwithbaptismalgrace;

  Thestatelyarchessoaringintospace,Thetransepts,columns,windowsgrayandgold,Theorgan,inwhosetonestheoceanrolled,Thecrypts,ofmightyshadesthedwellingplaces,TheVirgin’sgentlehands,theSaints’purefaces,All,eventhepardoninghandsofChristtheLordWerestruckandbrokenbythewantonswordOfsacrilegiouslust。

  Obeautyslain,Ogloryinthedust!

  Strongwallsoffaith,mostbaselyoverthrown!

  Thecrawlingflames,likeaddersglisteningAtethewhitefabricofthislovelything。

  Nowfromitssoularoseapiteousmoan,Thesoulthatalwayslovedthejustandfair。

  Graniteandmarbleloudtheirwoeconfessed,ThesilvermonstrancesthatPopeshadblessed,ThechalicesandlampsandcrosiersrareWeresearedandtwistedbyaflamingbreath;

  Thehorroreverywheredidrangeandswell,TheguardianSaintsintothisfurnacefell,Theirbittertearsandscreamswerestilledindeath。

  Aroundtheflamesarmedhostsareskirmishing,Theburningsunreflectstheluridscene;

  TheGermanarmy,fightingforitslife,Ralliesitstornandterrifiedleftwing;

  And,astheynearthisplaceTheimperialeaglesseeBeforethemintheirflight,Here,inthesolemnnight,Theoldcathedral,totheyearstobeShowing,withwoundedarms,theirowndisgrace。

  Kings(FortheRev。JamesB。Dollard)

  TheKingsoftheeartharemenofmight,Andcitiesareburnedfortheirdelight,Andtheskiesraindeathinthesilentnight,Andthehillsbelchdeathallday!

  ButtheKingofHeaven,Whomadethemall,Isfairandgentle,andverysmall;

  Heliesinthestraw,bytheoxen’sstall——

  LetthemthinkofHimto—day!

  TheWhiteShipsandtheRed(ForAldenMarch)

  WithdroopingsailandpennantThatneverawindmayreach,TheyfloatinsunlesswatersBesideasunlessbeach。

  TheirmightymastsandfunnelsArewhiteasdrivensnow,AndwithapallidradianceTheirghostlybulwarksglow。

  HereisaSpanishgalleonThatoncewithgoldwasgay,HereisaRomantriremeWhosehuesoutshonetheday。

  ButTyriandyeshavefaded,AndprowsthatoncewerebrightWithrainbowstainswearonlyDeath’slivid,dreadfulwhite。

  WhiteastheicethatcloveherThatunforgottenday,AmongherpallidsistersThegrimTitaniclay。

  AndthroughtheleaguesaboveherShelookedaghast,andsaid:

  \"WhatisthislivingshipthatcomesWhereeveryshipisdead?\"

  TheghostlyvesselstrembledFromruinedsterntoprow;

  WhatwasthisthingofterrorThatbroketheirvigilnow?

  DownthroughthestartledoceanAmightyvesselcame,Notwhite,asalldeadshipsmustbe,Butred,likelivingflame!

  ThepalegreenwavesaboutherWereswiftly,strangelydyed,BythegreatscarletstreamthatflowedFromoutherwoundedside。

  AndallherdeckswerescarletAndallhershatteredcrew。

  ShesankamongthewhiteghostshipsAndstainedthemthroughandthrough。

  ThegrimTitanicgreetedher\"Andwhoartthou?\"shesaid;

  \"WhydostthoujoinourghostlyfleetArrayedinlivingred?

  WearetheshipsofsorrowWhospendthewearynight,UntilthedawnofJudgmentDay,Obscureandstillandwhite。\"

  \"Nay,\"saidthescarletvisitor,\"ThoughIsinkthroughthesea,Aruinedthingthatwasaship,Isinknotasdidye。

  ForyemetwithyourdestinyBystormorrockorfight,SothroughthelaggingcenturiesYewearyourrobesofwhite。

  \"ButnevercrashingicebergNorhonestshotoffoe,NorhiddenreefhassentmeThewaythatImustgo。

  Mywoundthatstainsthewaters,Mybloodthatislikeflame,Bearwitnesstoaloathlydeed,Adeedwithoutaname。

  \"Iwentnotforthtobattle,Icarriedfriendlymen,Thechildrenplayedaboutmydecks,Thewomensang——andthen——

  Andthen——thesunblushedscarletAndHeavenhiditsface,TheworldthatGodcreatedBecameashamefulplace!

  \"Mywrongcriesoutforvengeance,TheblowthatsentmehereWasaimedinHell。MydyingscreamHasreachedJehovah’sear。

  NotallthesevenoceansShallwashawaythatstain;

  UponabrowthatwearsacrownIamthebrandofCain。\"

  WhenGod’sgreatvoiceassemblesThefleetonJudgmentDay,TheghostsofruinedshipswillriseInseaandstraitandbay。

  ThoughtheyhavelainforagesBeneaththechangelessflood,Theyshallbewhiteassilver,Butone——shallbelikeblood。

  [EndofMainStreetandOtherPoems。]

  ThefollowingbiographicalinformationisfromtheOccasionalNotesto`ATreasuryofWarPoetry’,1919,editedbyGeorgeHerbertClarke。

  Kilmer,Joyce。HewasborninNewBrunswick,N。J。,December6,1886。

  HehadfirstjoinedtheOfficers’ReserveCorps,butsoonresigned。

  WithinseventeendaysaftertheentranceoftheUnitedStatesintothewarhelefthisjournalisticcareertoenlistasaPrivateintheSeventhRegiment,NationalGuard,NewYork。

  ShortlybeforetheSeventhleftNewYorkforSpartanburg,S。C。,hewastransferredathisownrequesttothe165thU。S。Infantry,formerlythe69thNationalGuardRegimentofNewYork。

  HeaccompaniedtheregimentasaPrivatetoCampMills,LongIsland。

  HewastransferredfromCompanyHtoHeadquartersCompany,andbecameSeniorRegimentalStatistician。TheregimentsailedforFranceinOctober,1917,andtherehewasplacedintheAdjutant’sOfficeandmadeSergeant。ThereafterhewasattachedtotheRegimentalIntelligenceStaffasanobserver,andshowedgreatfidelityandcourageinthetaskstowhichhewasassigned。HewaskilledinactiononJuly30,1918,whiletryingtolocatehostilemachine—gunsintheWoodoftheBurnedBridge,ontheOurcq。Hiswarwritingsmaybefoundin`MainStreet,andotherPoems’,and`JoyceKilmer,Poems,EssaysandLetters’。

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