Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


NANTASKET by RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Poet Analysis

First Line: LOBSTER-CAR, BOAT, OR FISHBASKET
Last Line: THEE THE FAIR HAUNTS FROM WHENCE THEY CAME!
Subject(s): NANTASKET, MASSACHUSETTS;

Lobster-car, boat, or fishbasket,
Peeps, noddies, oldsquaws, or quail,
To Musketaquid what from Nantasket,
What token of greeting & hail?

Can we tie up & send you our thunder, --
Pulse-beat of the sea on the shore?
Or our Rainbow, the daughter of Wonder,
Our rock Massasoit's palace-door.

White pebbles from Nantasket beach,
Whereon to write the maiden's name;
Shells, sea-eggs, sea flowers, could they teach
Thee the fair haunts from whence they came!



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