[In these and others of the Flemish Towns, the Carillon, or chimes which have a most fantatic and delicate music, are played almost continually. The custom is very ancient.] AT ANTWERP there is a low wall Binding the city, and a moat Beneath, that the wind keeps afloat. You pass the gates in a slow drawl Of wheels. If it is warm at all The Carillon will give you thought. I climbed the stair in Antwerp church, What time the urgent weight of sound At sunset seems to heave it round. Far up, the Carillon did search The wind; and the birds came to perch Far under, where the gables wound. In Antwerp harbour on the Scheldt I stood along, a certain space Of night. The mist was near my face: Deep on, the flow was heard and felt. The Carillon kept pause, and dwelt In music through the silent place. At Bruges, when you leave the train, --A signing numbness in your ears,-- The Carillon's first sound appears Only the inner moil. Again A little minute through--your brain Takes quiet, and the whole sense hears. John Memmeling and John van Eyck Hold state at Bruges. In sore shame I scanned the works that keep their name. The Carillon, which then did strike Mine ears, was heard of theirs alike: It set me closer unto them. I climbed at Bruges all the flight The Belfry has of ancient stone. For leagues I saw the east wind blown: The earth was grey, the sky was white. I stood so near upon the height That my flesh felt the Carillon. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...POE'S COTTAGE AT FORDHAM by JOHN HENRY BONER GOD'S GARDEN by RICHARD EUGENE BURTON THE HAPPIEST HEART by JOHN VANCE CHENEY THE BLIND BOY by COLLEY CIBBER A STRANGE MEETING by WILLIAM HENRY DAVIES SING-SONG; A NURSERY RHYME BOOK: 50 by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI |