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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE LOST GENIUS, by JOHN JAMES PIATT First Line: A giant came to me when I was young Last Line: I saw the ghost of youth! Subject(s): Wisdom | |||
A GIANT came to me when I was young, My instant will to ask -- My earthly Servant, from the earth he sprung Eager for any task! "What wilt thou, O my Master?" he began, "Whatever can be," I. "Say thy first wish -- whate'er thou wilt I can," The Strong Slave made reply. "Enter the earth and bring its riches forth, For pearls explore the sea." He brought, from East and West and South and North, All treasures back to me! "Build me a palace wherein I may dwell." "Awake and see it done," Spake his great voice at dawn. Oh, miracle That glittered in the sun! "Find me the princess fit for my embrace, The vision of my breast; For her search every clime and every race." My yearning arms were blessed! "Get me all knowledge." Sages with their lore, And poets with their songs, Crowded my palace halls at every door, In still, obedient throngs! "Now bring me wisdom." Long ago he went; (The cold task harder seems:) He did not hasten with the last content -- The rest, meanwhile, were dreams! Houseless and poor, on many a trackless road, Without a guide, I found A white-haired phantom with the world his load, Bending him to the ground! "I bring thee wisdom, Master." Is it he, I marvelled then, in sooth? "Thy palace-builder, beauty-seeker, see!" I saw the Ghost of Youth! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOPE IS NOT FOR THE WISE by ROBINSON JEFFERS SEVEN TWILIGHTS: 5 by CONRAD AIKEN SONG: NOW THAT SHE IS HERE; FOR JOE-ANNE by HAYDEN CARRUTH WISE: HAVING THE ABILITY TO PERCEIVE AND ADOPT THE BEST by LUCILLE CLIFTON WISDOM COMETH WITH THE YEARS by COUNTEE CULLEN FOR RANDALL JARRELL, 1914-1965 by NORMAN DUBIE THE MORTAL WORDS OF ZWEIK by PHILIP LEVINE IRELAND; A SEASIDE PORTRAIT by JOHN JAMES PIATT |
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