Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A SONG FOR THE ASKING by FRANCIS ORRERY TICKNOR

First Line: A SONG! WHAT SONGS HAVE DIED
Last Line: TO THEE, OF THEE!

A SONG! What songs have died
Upon the earth,
Voices of love and pride --
Of tears and mirth?
Fading as hearts forget,
As shadows flee!
Vain is the voice of song,
And yet --
I sing to thee!

A song! What ocean shell
Were silent long,
If in thy touch might dwell
Its all of song?
A song? Then near my heart
Thy cheek must be,
For, like the shell, it sings --
Sweet Heart --
To thee, of thee!



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