HE loved the bloom of the good, green earth; And alike to the rose of the garden And the wind-swept, wandering plant of the marsh, Brother was he and warden. The hermit thrush with its heavenly note, By the eaves the flitting swallow, The pebbles and shells of the seaside stroll And the collie wild to follow — All, all were dear, but dearer far Was the human life around him, And to help the ills of child and man His tender compassion bound him. A bold proclaimer of truth was he, Above the world's derision, When for blinding eyes and aching brows He sought the perfect vision; And O the joy he brought to those Who had darkly walked with sorrow — Giving a new earth to their gaze And cheer with the bright to-morrow. Some greater service beckoned him — Song of some angel singer — But down our years his name will shine, The matchless, brave Light-Bringer! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A PASTORAL DIALOGUE: SHEPHERD, NYMPH, CHORUS by THOMAS CAREW A BOY'S SUMMER SONG by PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR IN THE WILDERNESS by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES JOHN BURNS OF GETTYSBURG by FRANCIS BRET HARTE |