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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
CARCASONNE, by GUSTAVE NADAUD Poet's Biography First Line: Age bows my neck, and I have wrought Last Line: -- he never did see carcasonne! Subject(s): Aging; Carcassonne, France | |||
AGE bows my neck, and I have wrought For three score years, yet though I tire My toil no restful eve has bought Wherein to sate my one desire. Above this bourne that we have tilled The sun of joy has never shone -- My wish will never be fulfilled; I never have seen Carcasonne. I see the lofty city soar High o'er the mists of mountains blue. But 'tis five weary leagues or more If one would turn his steps thereto; And one must trudge the long way back. Ah, that the vines I sweat upon Flushed purple grapes to quench my lack -- Then might my eyes see Carcasonne! On every week-day there, 'tis said, A gala's held, on Sundays too, By people clad from heel to head In snow-white gowns and garments new; And coolness falls from castle walls, As high as towers of Babylon, On bishops and on generals -- But I have not seen Carcasonne. The Vicar said one Lenten night We covet things beyond our ken, And in all reason he is right; It is desire that maddens men. And yet, if ere the Fall were spent, Two days were mine to count upon -- Ah, God, then I would die content; I should have gazed on Carcasonne. Give pardon if to Thee on high My prayer ascends as vanity. Our hearts crave more than eyes descry In age as in our infancy. My son, Alphonse, my wife, Suzanne, Have been as far as old Narbonne; My godson has seen Perpignan But I have not seen Carcasonne. Thus sighed a peasant near Limoux, Bowed by his years of age-long woe. "Come, Friend," I said; "your wish comes true; To Carcasonne we two will go!" We started at the dawn of day And (may Love's pinions bear him on) We started, but he died half-way -- He never did see Carcasonne! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AT CARCASSONNE by WINFRED ERNEST GARRISON CARCASSONNE by EMMA VORIES MEYER AT CARCASSONNE by GEORGE CRAIG STEWART HORSE AND RIDER by GUSTAVE NADAUD MAD GUILLEAU by GUSTAVE NADAUD THE OLD NURSE by GUSTAVE NADAUD YOUTH'S SCHEMES by GUSTAVE NADAUD MONODY ON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM MARION REEDY by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |
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