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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BIRTHDAY ODE FOR THE ANNIVESARY FESTIVAL OF VICTOR HUGO: PREFACE by ALGERNON CHARLES SWINBURNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: BETWEEN TWO SEAS THE SEA-BIRD'S WING MAKES HALT
Last Line: WAS AS LIGHT KINDLING ALL A WINDY SEA.
Subject(s): HUGO, VICTOR (1802-1885); MORNING; SEA; SINGING & SINGERS; OCEAN;

@3Between two seas the sea-bird's wing makes halt,
Wind-weary; while with lifting head he waits
For breath to reinspire him from the gates
That open still toward sunrise on the vault
High-domed of morning, and in flight's default
With spreading sense of spirit anticipates
What new sea now may lure beyond the straits
His wings exulting that her winds exalt
And fill them full as sails to seaward spread,
Fulfilled with fair speea's promise. Pass, my song,
Forth to the heaven of thy desire and dread,
The presence of our lord, long loved and long
Far off above beholden, who to thee
Was as light kindling all a windy sea.@1



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