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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


SONG OF THE OPEN COUNTRY by DOROTHY PARKER

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN LIGHTS ARE LOW, AND THE DAY HAS DIED
Last Line: THAT I AM LIVING RIGHT HERE IN TOWN.
Subject(s): COUNTRY LIFE;

When lights are low, and the day has died,
I sit and dream of the countryside.

Where sky meets earth at the meadow's end,
I dream of a clean and wind-swept space
Where each tall tree is a staunch old friend,
And each frail bud turns a trusting face.
A purling brook, with each purl a prayer,
To the bending grass its secret tells;
While, softly borne on the scented air,
Comes the far-off chime of chapel bells.
A tiny cottage I seem to see,
In its quaint old garden set apart;
And a Sabbath calm steals over me,
While peace dwells deep in my brooding heart.

And I thank whatever gods look down
That I am living right here in town.



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