Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE FLUTE by ANDRE MARIE CHENIER

First Line: WHEN I REMEMBER I AM NIGH TO WEEP
Last Line: TO CLOSE THE GAPS UPON THE SOUNDING REED.
Subject(s): FLUTES; MUSIC & MUSICIANS; MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS;

WHEN I remember I am nigh to weep:
How he would hold the flute unto my lip,
And, smiling, set me level with his heart,
Swearing I beat him at his own smooth art.
'Twas he who taught my faltering lip to draw
Sweet breath unbrokenly and without flaw
Of suavest melody; my hands unskilled
By his deft hands over the stops were drilled;
'Twas thus I learnt, though still with blundering heed,
To close the gaps upon the sounding reed.



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