NOR far nor near grew shrub nor tree, The bare hills stood up bleak behind, And in between the marsh weeds gray Some tawny-colored sand-drift lay, Opening a pathway to the sea, The which I took to please my mind. In full sight of the open seas A patch of flowers I chance to find, As if the May, being thereabout, Had from her apron spilled them out; And there I lay and took my ease, And made a song to please my mind. Sweet bed! if you should live full long, A sweeter you will never find -- Some flowers were red, and some were white; And in their low and tender light I meditated on my song, Fitting the words to please my mind. Some sea-waves on the sands upthrown, And left there by the wanton wind, With lips all curled in homesick pain For the old mother's arms again, Moved me, and to their piteous moan I set the tune to please my mind. But now I would in very truth The flowers I had not chanced to find, Nor lain their speckled leaves along, Nor set to that sad tune my song; For that which pleased my careless youth It faileth now to please my mind. And this thing I do know for true, A truer you will never find, No false step e'er so lightly rung But that some echo giving tongue Did like a hound all steps pursue, Until the world was left behind. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ROBIN HOOD, TO A FRIEND by JOHN KEATS PIANO by DAVID HERBERT LAWRENCE FLOWERS by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW THE END OF IT by FRANCIS THOMPSON THE SWISS EMIGRANT by LUCY AIKEN THE ONE WHITE ROSE by THOMAS BAILEY ALDRICH DO THOU LOVE, TOO! by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS BYROAD by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN AIRS SUNG AT BROUGHAM CASTLE: DIALOGUE SUNG THE FIRST NIGHT by THOMAS CAMPION |