首页 >出版文学> Trees and Other Poems>第1章
  Hedoesbutdragarumblingwain,Cheeredbythecoupledbellsofrhyme。"
  CoventryPatmoreToMyMotherGentlestofcritics,doesyourmemoryholdIknowitdoesarecordofthedaysWhenI,aschoolboy,earnedyourgenerouspraiseForhaltingverseandstoriescrudelytold?
  Overthesechildishscrawlstheyearshaverolled,Theymightnotknowtheworld'sunfriendlygaze;
  Butstillyoursmileshinesdownfamiliarways,Touchesmywordsandturnstheirdrosstogold。
  Moredearto-daythaninthatvanishedtimeComesyournighpraisetomakemeproudandstrong。
  InmypoornotesyouhearLove'ssplendidchime,Sountoyoudoesthis,myworkbelong。
  Take,then,alittlegiftoffragilerhyme:
  Yourheartwillchangeittoauthenticsong。
  ContentsTheTwelve-Forty-FivePenniesTreesStarsOldPoetsDelicatessenServantGirlandGrocer'sBoyWealthMartinTheApartmentHouseAsWindsThatBlowAgainstAStarSt。LaurenceToAYoungPoetWhoKilledHimselfMemorialDayTheRosaryVisionToCertainPoetsLove'sLanternSt。AlexisFollyMadnessPoetsCitizenoftheWorldToaBlackbirdandHisMateWhoDiedintheSpringTheFourthShepherdEasterMountHouvenkopfTheHousewithNobodyinItDaveLillyAlarmClocksWaverleyTreesandOtherPoemsTheTwelve-Forty-FiveForEdwardJ。Wheeler
  WithintheJerseyCityshedTheenginecoughsandshakesitshead,Thesmoke,aplumeofredandwhite,Wavesmadlyinthefaceofnight。
  AndnowthegraveincuriousstarsGleamonthegroaninghurryingcars。
  AgainstthekindandawfulreignOfdarkness,thisourangrytrain,Anoisylittlerebel,poutsItsbriefdefiance,flamesandshouts——
  Andpasseson,andleavesnotrace。
  Fordarknessholdsitsancientplace,Sereneandabsolute,thekingUnchanged,ofeverylivingthing。
  ThehouseslieobscureandstillInRutherfordandCarltonHill。
  OurlampsintensifythedarkOfslumberingPassaicPark。
  AndquietholdsthewearyfeetThatdailytrampthroughProspectStreet。
  WhatthoughweclangandclankandroarThroughallPassaic'sstreets?NodoorWillopen,notaneyewillseeWhothisloudvagabondmaybe。
  Uponmycrimsoncushionedseat,Inmanufacturedlightandheat,Ifeelunnaturalandmean。
  Outsidethetownsarecoolandclean;
  CurtainedawhilefromsoundandsightTheytakeGod'sgraciousgiftofnight。
  Thestarsarewatchfuloverthem。
  OnCliftonasonBethlehemTheangels,leaningdownthesky,Shedpeaceandgentledreams。AndI——
  Iride,IblasphemouslyrideThroughallthesilentcountryside。
  Theengine'sshriek,theheadlight'sglare,Pollutethestillnocturnalair。
  ThecottagesofLakeViewsighAndsleeping,frownaswepassby。
  Why,evenstridentPatersonRestsquietlyasanynun。
  HerfoolishwarringchildrenkeepThegratefularmisticeofsleep。
  Forwhattremendouserrand'ssakeArewesoblatantlyawake?
  Whatprecioussecretisourfreight?
  Whatkingmustbeabroadsolate?
  PerhapsDeathroamsthehillsto-nightAndwerushforthtogivehimfight。
  Orelse,perhaps,wespeedhiswayTosomeremoteunthinkingprey。
  PerhapsawomanwrithesinpainAndlistens——listensforthetrain!
  Thetrain,thatlikeanangelsings,Thetrain,withhealingonitswings。
  Now"Hawthorne!"theconductorcries。
  Myneighborstartsandrubshiseyes。
  HehurriesyawningthroughthecarAndstepsoutwherethehousesare。
  Thisisthereasonofourquest!
  NotwantonlywebreaktherestOftownandvillage,nordoweLightlyprofanenight'ssanctity。
  WhatLovecommandsthetrainfulfills,AndbeautifuluponthehillsAretheseourfeetofburnishedsteel。
  SubtlyandcertainlyIfeelThatGlenRockwelcomesustoherAndsilentRidgewoodseemstostirAndsmile,becausesheknowsthetrainHasbroughtherchildrenbackagain。
  Wecarrypeoplehome——andsoGodspeedsus,wheresoe'erwego。
  Hohokus,Waldwick,AllendaleLiftsleepyheadstogiveushail。
  InRamsey,Mahwah,SuffernstandHousesthatwistfullydemandAfather——son——somehumanthingThatthis,themidnighttrain,maybring。
  ThetrainsthattravelinthedayTheyhurryfolkstoworkorplay。
  ThemidnighttrainisslowandoldButofitletthisthingbetold,ToitshighhonorbeitsaidItcarriespeoplehometobed。
  Mycottagelampshineswhiteandclear。
  Godblessthetrainthatbroughtmehere。
  PenniesAfewlong-hoardedpenniesinhishandBeholdhimstand;
  AkiltedHedonist,perplexedandsad。
  Thejoythatoncehehad,Thefirstdelightofownershipisfled。
  Hebowshislittlehead。
  Ah,cruelTime,tokillThatsplendidthrill!
  Theninhistear-dimmedeyesNewlightsarise。
  Hedropshistreasuredpenniesontheground,TheyrollandboundAndscattered,rest。
  NowwithwhatzestHerunstofindhiserrantwealthagain!
  SountomenDothGod,deprivingthatHemaybestow。
  Fame,healthandmoneygo,Butthattheymay,newfound,benewlysweet。
  Yea,atHisfeetSit,waitingus,totheirconcealmentbid,Allthey,ourlovers,whomHisLovehathhid。
  Lo,comfortbloomsonpain,andpeaceonstrife,Andgainonloss。
  WhatisthekeytoEverlastingLife?
  Ablood-stainedCross。
  TreesForMrs。HenryMillsAlden
  IthinkthatIshallneverseeApoemlovelyasatree。
  AtreewhosehungrymouthisprestAgainsttheearth'ssweetflowingbreast;
  AtreethatlooksatGodallday,Andliftsherleafyarmstopray;
  AtreethatmayinSummerwearAnestofrobinsinherhair;
  Uponwhosebosomsnowhaslain;
  Whointimatelyliveswithrain。
  Poemsaremadebyfoolslikeme,ButonlyGodcanmakeatree。
  StarsFortheRev。JamesJ。Daly,S。J。
  Brightstars,yellowstars,flashingthroughtheair,AreyouerrantstrandsofLadyMary'shair?
  Assheslitsthecloudyveilandbendsdownthrough,Doyoufallacrosshercheeksandoverheaventoo?
  Gaystars,littlestars,youarelittleeyes,Eyesofbabyangelsplayingintheskies。
  NowandthenawingedchildturnshismerryfaceDowntowardthespinningworld——whatafunnyplace!
  JesusChristcamefromtheCrossChristreceivemysoul!
  Ineachperfecthandandfoottherewasabloodyhole。
  Fourgreatironspikestherewere,redandneverdry,MichaelpluckedthemfromtheCrossandsettheminthesky。
  Christ'sTroop,Mary'sGuard,God'sownmen,DrawyourswordsandstrikeatHellandstrikeagain。
  Everysteel-bornsparkthatflieswhereGod'sbattlesare,FlashespastthefaceofGod,andisastar。
  OldPoetsForRobertCortezHolliday
  IfIshouldliveinaforestAndsleepunderneathatree,NogroveofimpudentsaplingsWouldmakeahomeforme。
  I'dgowheretheoldoaksgather,Sereneandgoodandstrong,AndtheywouldnotsighandtrembleAndvexmewithasong。
  ThepleasantestsortofpoetIsthepoetwho'soldandwise,WithanoldwhitebeardandwrinklesAbouthiskindoldeyes。
  FortheseyoungflippertigibbetsA-rhymingtheirhoursawayTheywon'tbestilllikehonestmenAndlistentowhatyousay。
  TheyoungpoetscreamsforeverAbouthissexandhissoul;
  Buttheoldmanlistens,andsmokeshispipe,Andpolishesitsbowl。
  ThereshouldbeaclubforpoetsWhohavecometoseventyyear。
  TheyshouldsitinagreathalldrinkingRedwineandgoldenbeer。
  Theywouldshuffleinofanevening,Eachonetohiscushionedseat,AndtherewouldbemellowtalkingAndsilencerichandsweet。
  ThereisnopeacetobetakenWithpoetswhoareyoung,FortheyworryaboutthewarstobefoughtAndthesongsthatmustbesung。
  Buttheoldmanknowsthathe'sinhischairAndthatGod'sonHisthroneinthesky。
  SohesitsbythefireincomfortAndheletstheworldspinby。
  DelicatessenWhyisthatwantongossipFameSodumbaboutthisman'saffairs?
  WhydowetitterathisnameWhocometobuyhiscuriouswares?
  Hereisashopofwonderment。
  Fromeverylandhascomeaprize;
  RichspicesfromtheOrient,AndfruitthatknewItalianskies,AndfigsthatripenedbytheseaInSmyrna,nutsfromhotBrazil,StrangepungentmeatsfromGermany,AndcurrantsfromaGrecianhill。
  HeisthelordofgoodlythingsThatmakethepoorman'stablegay,YetofhisworthnominstrelsingsAndonhistombthereisnobay。
  Perhapshelivesanddiesunpraised,Thistraffickerinhumblesweets,BecausehislittleshopsareraisedBythousandsinthecitystreets。
  Yetstarsingreaternumbersshine,Andvioletsinmillionsgrow,AndtheyinmanyagoldenlineAresung,aseverychildmustknow。
  PerhapsFamethinkshisworriedeyes,Hiswrinkled,shrewd,patheticface,Hisshop,andallhesellsandbuysAredesperatelycommonplace。
  Well,itistruehehasnoswordTodangleathisbootedknees。
  Heleansacrossaslabofboard,Anddrawshisknifeandslicescheese。
  Heneverheardofchivalry,Helongsfornoheroictimes;
  Hethinksofpickles,olives,tea,Anddollars,nickles,centsanddimes。
  Hisworldhasnarrowwalls,itseems;
  Bycountersishissoulconfined;
  Hiswaresareallhishopesanddreams,Theyarethefabricofhismind。
  Yet——inaroomabovethestoreThereisawoman——andachildPatteredjustnowacrossthefloor;
  Theshopmanlookedathimandsmiled。
  For,oncehethrilledwithhighromanceAndtunedtolovehiseagervoice。
  LikeanycavalierofFranceHewooedthemaidenofhischoice。
  AndnowdeepinhiswearyheartAresacredflamesthatwhitelyburn。
  HehasofHeaven'sgraceapartWholoves,whoisbelovedinturn。
  Andwhenthelongday'sworkisdone,Howslowtheleadenminutesran!
  Home,withhiswifeandlittleson,Heisnohuckster,butaman!
  Andtherearethosewhograsphishand,Whodrinkwithhimandwishhimwell。
  OinnodrearandlonelylandShallhewhohonorsfriendshipdwell。
  Andinhislittleshop,whoknowsWhatbittergamesofwarareplayed?
  Why,dailyoneachcornergrowsAfoetorobhimofhistrade。
  Hefights,andforhisfireside'ssake;
  Hefightsforclothingandforbread:
  ThelancesofhisfoemenmakeAsteelyhaloroundhishead。
  Hedeckshiswindowartfully,Hehagglesoverpaltrysums。
  InthisstrangefieldhiswarmustbeAndbysuchblowshistriumphcomes。
  WhatifnotrumpetsoundstocallHisarmedlegionstohisside?
  Whatif,tonoancestralhallHecomesinallavictor'spride?
  Thesceneshallneverfitthedeed。
  Grotesquelywonderscometopass。
  ThefoolshallmountanArabsteedAndJesusrideuponanass。
  ThismanhashomeandchildandwifeAndbattlesetforeveryday。
  ThismanhasGodandloveandlife;
  Thesestand,allelseshallpassaway。
  OCarpenterofNazareth,Whosemotherwasavillagemaid,Shallwe,Thychildren,blowourbreathInscornonanyhumbletrade?
  HavepityonourfoolishnessAndgiveuseyes,thatwemayseeBeneaththeshopman'sclumsydressThesplendorofhumanity!
  ServantGirlandGrocer'sBoyHerlips'remarkwas:"Oh,youkid!"
  HersoulspokethusIknowitdid:
  "Okingofrealmsofendlessjoy,Myown,mygoldengrocer'sboy,IamaprincessforcedtodwellWithinalonelykitchencell,WhileyougodashingthroughthelandWithlovelinessoneveryhand。
  YourwhistlestrikesmyeagerearsLikemusicofthechoiringspheres。
  ThemightyearthgrowsfaintandreelsBeneathyourthunderingwagonwheels。
  Howkeenly,perilouslysweetToclinguponthatswayingseat!
  HowhappyshewhobyyoursideMaysharethesplendorsofthatride!
  Ah,ifyouwillnottakemyhandAndbearmeoffacrosstheland,Then,travellerfromArcady,Remainawhileandcomfortme。
  WhatothermaidencanyoufindSoyounganddelicateandkind?"
  Herlips'remarkwas:"Oh,youkid!"
  HersoulspokethusIknowitdid。
  WealthForAline
  Fromwhatoldballad,orfromwhatrichframeDidyoudescendtoglorifytheearth?
  WasitfromChaucer'ssingingbookyoucame?
  OrdidWatteau'ssmallbrushesgiveyoubirth?
  NothingsoexquisiteasthatslighthandCouldRaphaelorLeonardotrace。
  NorcouldthepoetsknowinFairylandThechangingwonderofyourlyricface。
  Iwouldpossessahostoflovelythings,ButIampoorandsuchjoysmaynotbe。
  SoGodwholiftsthepoorandhumbleskingsSentlovelinessitselftodwellwithme。
  MartinWhenIamtiredofearnestmen,Intenseandkeenandsharpandclever,PursuingfamewithbrushorpenOrcountingmetaldisksforever,ThenfromthehallsofShadowlandBeyondthetracklesspurpleseaOldMartin'sghostcomesbacktostandBesidemydeskandtalktome。
  StillonhisdelicatepalefaceAquizzicalthinsmileisshowing,Hischeeksarewrinkledlikefinelace,Hiskindblueeyesaregayandglowing。
  Hewearsabrilliant-huedcravat,Asuittomatchhissoftgreyhair,Arakishstick,aknowinghat,Amannerblitheanddebonair。
  HowgoodthathewhoalwaysknewThatbeinglovelywasaduty,ShouldhavegoldhallstowanderthroughAndshouldhimselfinhabitbeauty。
  HowlikehisoldunselfishwayToleavethosehallsofsplendidmirthAndcomfortthosecondemnedtostayUponthedullandsombreearth。
  Somepeopleask:"WhatcruelchanceMadeMartin'slifesosadastory?"
  Martin?Why,heexhaledromance,Andworeanovercoatofglory。
  Afleckofsunlightinthestreet,Ahorse,abook,agirlwhosmiled,SuchvisionsmadeeachmomentsweetForthisreceptiveancientchild。
  BecauseitwasoldMartin'slotTobe,notmake,adecoration,Shallwethenscornhim,havingnotHisgeniusofappreciation?
  Richjoyandlovehegotandgave;
  Hisheartwasmerryashisdress;
  PilelaurelwreathsuponhisgraveWhodidnotgain,butwas,success!
  TheApartmentHouseSevereagainstthepleasantarcofskyThegreatstoneboxiscruellydisplayed。
  Thestreetbecomesmoredrearyfromitsshade,Andvagrantbreezestouchitswallsanddie。
  Heresullenconvictsintheirchainsmightlie,Orslavestoildumblyatsomedrearytrade。
  HowworsethanfollyistheirlabormadeWhoclefttherocksthatthismightriseonhigh!
  Yet,asIlook,Iseeawoman'sfaceGleamfromawindowfarabovethestreet。
  Thisisahouseofhomes,asacredplace,Byhumanpassionmadedivinelysweet。
  HowallthebuildingthrillswithsuddengraceBeneaththemagicofLove'sgoldenfeet!
  AsWindsThatBlowAgainstAStarForAline
  NowbywhatwhimofwantonchanceDoradianteyesknowsombredays?
  AndfeetthatshodinlightshoulddanceWalkwearyandlaboriousways?
  ButraysfromHeaven,whiteandwhole,Maypenetratethegloomofearth;
  Andtearsbutnourish,inyoursoul,Thegloryofcelestialmirth。
  Thedartsoftoilandsorrow,sentAgainstyourpeacefulbeauty,areAsfoolishandasimpotentAswindsthatblowagainstastar。
  St。LaurenceWithinthebrokenVaticanThemurderedPopeislyingdead。
  ThesoldiersofValerianTheirevilhandsarewetandred。
  Unarmed,unmoved,St。Laurencewaits,Hiscassockishisonlymail。
  ThetroopsofHellhaveburstthegates,ButChristisLord,Heshallprevail。
  Theyhaveencompassedhimwithsteel,Theyspituponhisgentleface,Hesmilesandbleeds,norwillrevealTheChurch'shiddentreasure-place。
  Ah,faithfulsteward,worthyknight,Wellhastthoudone。Beholdthyfee!
  SincethouhastfoughtthegoodlyfightAmartyr'sdeathisfixedforthee。
  St。Laurence,prayforustobearThefaithwhichglorifiesthyname。
  St。Laurence,prayforustoshareThewoundsofLove'sconsumingflame。
  ToAYoungPoetWhoKilledHimselfWhenyouhadplayedwithlifeaspaceAndmadeitdrinkandlustandsing,YouflungitbackintoGod'sfaceAndthoughtyoudidanoblething。
  "Lo,Ihavelivedandloved,"yousaid,"Andsungtofoolstoodulltohearme。
  NowforacoolandgrassybedWithvioletsinblossomnearme。"
  Well,restisgoodforwearyfeet,Althoughtheyranfornogreatprize;
  Andvioletsareverysweet,Althoughtheirrootsareinyoureyes。
  ButharktowhattheearthwormssayWhosharewithyouyourmuddyhaven:
  "Thefightwason——youranaway。
  Youareacowardandacraven。
  "Therugisruinedwhereyoubled;
  Itwasadirtywaytodie!
  ToputabulletthroughyourheadAndmakeasillywomancry!
  YoucouldnotvexthemerrystarsNormakethemheedyou,deadorliving。
  NotallyourpunyangermarsGod'sirresistibleforgiving。
  "Yes,Godforgivesandmenforget,Andyou'reforgivenandforgotten。
  YoumightbegailysinningyetAndquickandfreshinsteadofrotten。
  AndwhenyouthinkofloveandfameAndallthatmighthavecometopass,Thendon'tyoufeelalittleshame?
  Anddon'tyouthinkyouwereanass?"
  MemorialDay"Dulceetdecorumest"
  Thebugleechoesshrillandsweet,Butnotofwaritsingsto-day。
  TheroadisrhythmicwiththefeetOfmen-at-armswhocometopray。
  TherosesblossomwhiteandredOntombswherewearysoldierslie;
  FlagswaveabovethehonoreddeadAndmartialmusiccleavesthesky。
  Abovetheirwreath-strewngraveswekneel,Theykeptthefaithandfoughtthefight。
  ThroughflyingleadandcrimsonsteelTheyplungedforFreedomandtheRight。
  Maywe,theirgratefulchildren,learnTheirstrength,wholiebeneaththissod,WhowentthroughfireanddeathtoearnAtlasttheaccoladeofGod。
  InshiningrankonrankarrayedTheymarch,thelegionsoftheLord;
  HeistheirCaptainunafraid,ThePrinceofPeace……Whobroughtasword。
  TheRosaryNotonthelute,norharpofmanystringsShallallmenpraisetheMasterofallsong。
  Ourlifeisbrief,onesaith,andartislong;
  Andskilledmustbethelaureatesofkings。
  Silent,Olipsthatutterfoolishthings!
  Rest,awkwardfingersstrikingallnoteswrong!
  Howfromyourtoilshallissue,whiteandstrong,MusiclikethatGod'schosenpoetsings?
  Thereisoneharpthatanyhandcanplay,Andfromitsstringswhatharmoniesarise!
  Thereisonesongthatanymouthcansay,——
  Asongthatlingerswhenallsingingdies。
  WhenontheirbeadsourMother'schildrenprayImmortalmusiccharmsthegratefulskies。
  VisionForAline
  Homer,theytellus,wasblindandcouldnotseethebeautifulfacesLookingupintohisownandreflectingthejoyofhisdream,YetdidheseemGiftedwitheyesthatcouldfollowthegodstotheirholiestplaces。
  Ihavenovisionofgods,notofEroswithlove-arrowsladen,JupiterthunderingdeathorofJunohiswhite-breastedqueen,YethaveIseenAllofthejoyoftheworldintheinnocentheartofamaiden。
  ToCertainPoetsNowistherhymer'shonesttradeAthingforscornfullaughtermade。
  Themerchant'ssneer,theclerk'sdisdain,Thesearetheburdenofourpain。
  Becauseofyoudidthisbefall,Youbroughtthisshameuponusall。
  YoulittlepoetsmincingthereWithwomen'sheartsandwomen'shair!
  HowsickDanChaucer'sghostmustbeTohearyoulispof"Poesie"!
  Aheavy-handedblow,Ithink,Wouldmakeyourveinsdripscentedink。
  YoustrutandsmirkyourlittlewhileSomildly,delicatelyvile!
  YourtinyvoicesmockGod'swrath,YousnailsthatcrawlalongHispath!
  Why,whathasGodormantodoWithwet,amorphousthingslikeyou?
  Thisthingaloneyouhaveachieved:
  Becauseofyou,itisbelievedThatallwhoearntheirbreadbyrhymeArelikeyourselves,exudingslime。
  Oh,ceasetowrite,forveryshame,Ereallmenspituponourname!
  Takeupyourneedles,dropyourpen,Andleavethepoet'scrafttomen!
  Love'sLanternForAline
  BecausetheroadwassteepandlongAndthroughadarkandlonelyland,GodsetuponmylipsasongAndputalanterninmyhand。
  ThroughmilesonwearymilesofnightThatstretchrelentlessinmywayMylanternburnssereneandwhite,Anunexhaustedcupofday。
  Ogoldenlightsandlightslikewine,Howdimyourboastedsplendorsare。
  Beholdthislittlelampofmine;
  Itismorestarlikethanastar!
  St。AlexisPatronofBeggarsWewhobegforbreadaswedailytreadCountrylaneandcitystreet,LetuskneelandprayonthebroadhighwayTothesaintwiththevagrantfeet。
  Ouraltarlightisabuttercupbright,Andourshrineisabankofsod,ButstillweshareSt。Alexis'care,TheVagabondofGod。
  TheygavehimahomeinpurpleRomeAndaprincessforhisbride,ButherowedawayonhisweddingdayDowntheTiber'srushingtide。
  AndhecametolandontheAsianstrandWheretheheathenpeopledwell;
  AsabeggarhestrayedandhepreachedandprayedAndhesavedtheirsoulsfromhell。
  BowedwithyearsandpainhecamebackagainTohisfather'sdwellingplace。
  Therewasnonetoseewhothistrampmightbe,Fortheyknewnothisbeardedface。
  Buthisfathersaid,"GivehimdrinkandbreadAndacouchunderneaththestair。"
  SoAlexiscrepttohisholeandslept。
  Buthemightnotlingerthere。
  Forwhennightcamedownontheseven-hilledtown,Andtheemperorhurriedin,Saying,"Lo,IhearthatasaintisnearWhowillcleanseusofoursin,"
  Thentheylookedinvainwherethesainthadlain,Forhissoulhadfledafar,FromhisfleshlyhomehehadgonetoroamWherethegold-pavedhighwaysare。
  WewhobegforbreadaswedailytreadCountrylaneandcitystreet,LetuskneelandprayonthebroadhighwayTothesaintwiththevagrantfeet。
  Ouraltarlightisabuttercupbright,Andourshrineisabankofsod,ButstillweshareSt。Alexis'care,TheVagabondofGod!
  FollyForA。K。K。
  WhatdistantmountainsthrillandglowBeneathourLadyFolly'stread?
  Whyhassheleftus,wiseinwoe,Shrewd,practical,uncomforted?
  Wecannotloveordreamorsing,Wearetoocynicaltopray,ThereisnojoyinanythingSinceLadyFollywentaway。
  Manyaknightandgentlemaid,Whosegloryshinesfromyearsgoneby,ThroughignorancewasunafraidAndasafoolknewhowtodie。
  SaintFollyrodebesideJehanneAndbroketheranksofHellwithher,AndFolly'ssmileshonebrightlyonChrist'splaything,BrotherJuniper。
  OurmindsaretroubledanddefiledBystudyinawearyschool。
  Oforthefollyofthechild!
  Thereadycourageofthefool!
  Lord,crushourknowledgeutterlyAndmakeushumble,simplemen;
  Andcleansedofwisdom,letusseeOurLadyFolly'sfaceagain。
  MadnessForSaraTeasdale
  Thelonelyfarm,thecrowdedstreet,Thepalaceandtheslum,GivewelcometomysilentfeetAs,bearinggifts,Icome。
  Lastnightabeggarcrouchedalone,Araggedhelplessthing;
  Isethimonamoonbeamthrone——
  Todayheisaking。
  LastnightakinginorbandcrownHeldcourtwithsplendidcheer;
  TodayhetearshispurplegownAndmoansandshrieksinfear。
  Notironbars,norflashingspears,Notland,norsky,norsea,Norlove'sartilleryoftearsCankeepmineownfromme。
  Serene,unchanging,everfair,IsmilewithsecretmirthAndinanetofmineownhairIswingthecaptiveearth。
  PoetsVainisthechimingofforgottenbellsThatthewindswaysabovearuinedshrine。
  VainerhisvoiceinwhomnolongerdwellsHungerthatcravesimmortalBreadandWine。
  LightsongswebreathethatperishwithourbreathOutofourlipsthathavenotkissedtherod。
  Theyshallnotlivewhohavenottasteddeath。
  TheyonlysingwhoarestruckdumbbyGod。
  CitizenoftheWorldNolongerofHimbeitsaid"HehathnoplacetolayHishead。"
  IneverylandaconstantlampFlamesbyHissmallandmightycamp。
  ThereisnostrangeanddistantplaceThatisnotgladdenedbyHisface。
  AndeverynationkneelstohailTheSplendourshiningthroughItsveil。
  Cloisteredbesidetheshoutingstreet,Silent,HecallsmetoHisfeet。
  ImprisonedforHisloveofmeHemakesmyspiritgreatlyfree。
  AndthroughmylipsthatutteredsinTheKingofGloryentersin。
  ToaBlackbirdandHisMateWhoDiedintheSpringForKenton
  AnironhandhasstilledthethroatsThatthrobbedwithloudandrhythmicgleeAnddammedthefloodofsilvernotesThatdrenchedtheworldinmelody。
  TheblosmyappleboughsareyearningFortheirwildchoristers'returning,Butnoswiftwingsflashthroughthetree。
  Yethatweregladandfleetandstrong,ShallSilencetakeyouinhernet?
  AndshallDeathquellthatradiantsongWhoseechothrillsthemeadowyet?
  BurstthefrailwebaboutyouclingingAndcharmDeath'scruelheartwithsingingTillwithstrangetearshiseyesarewet。
  ThescentedmorningoftheyearIsoldandstalenowyearegone。
  NofriendlysongsthechildrenhearAmongthebushesonthelawn。
  Whenbabieswanderouta-MayingWillye,theirbards,afarbestraying?
  Unhymnedbyyou,whatisthedawn?
  Nay,sinceyelovedyecannotdie。
  Abovethestarsissetyournest。
  ThroughHeaven'sfieldsyesingandflyAndinthetreesofHeavenrest。
  AndlittlechildrenintheirdreamingShallseeyoursoftblackplumagegleamingAndsmile,byyourclearmusicblest。
  TheFourthShepherdForThomasWalsh
  I
  OnnightslikethisthehuddledsheepArelikewhitecloudsuponthegrass,AndmerryherdsmenguardtheirsleepAndchatandwatchthebigstarspass。
  ItisapleasantthingtolieUponthemeadowonthehillWithkindlyfellowshipnearbyOfsheepandmenofgentlewill。
  IleanuponmybrokencrookAnddreamofsheepandgrassandmen——
  OshamefuleyesthatcannotlookOnanyhonestthingagain!
  OnbloodyfeetIclambereddownAndfledthewagesofmysin,Iamtheleavingsofthetown,Andmeanlyserveitsmeanestinn。
  Itrampthecourtyardstonesingrief,Whilesleeptakesmanandbeasttoher。
  Andeverycloudiscalling"Thief!"
  Andeverystarcalls"Murderer!"
  II
  ThehandofGodissureandstrong,NorshallamanforeverfleeThebitterpunishmentofwrong。
  ThewrathofGodisoverme!
  WithashenbreadandwineoftearsShallIbesolacedinmypain。
  IwearthroughblackandendlessyearsUponmybrowthemarkofCain。
  III
  Poorvagabond,sooldandmild,Willtheynotkeephimforanight?
  AndShe,awomangreatwithchild,Sofrailandpitifulandwhite。
  Goodpeople,sincethetaverndoorIsshuttoyou,comehereinstead。
  See,IhavecleansedmystablefloorAndpiledfreshhaytomakeabed。
  Hereissomemilkandoatencake。
  Liedownandsleepandrestyoufair,Norfear,Osimplefolk,totakeThebountyofachildofcare。
  IV
  Onnightslikethisthehuddledsheep——
  Ineversawanightsofair。
  Howhugetheskyis,andhowdeep!
  Andhowtheplanetsflashandglare!
  AtdawnbesidemydrowsyflockWhatwingedmusicIhaveheard!
  ButnowthecloudswithsingingrockAsiftheskywereturningbird。
  OblindingLight,OblindingLight!
  Burnthroughmyheartwithsweetestpain。
  OflamingSong,mostloudlybright,Consumeawaymydeadlystain!
  V
  Thestableglowsagainstthesky,Andwhoarethesethatthrongtheway?
  MythreeoldcomradeshastenbyAndshiningangelskneelandpray。
  Thedoorswingswide——Icannotgo——
  ImustandyetIdarenotsee。
  Lord,whoamIthatIshouldknow——
  Lord,God,bemercifultome!
  VI
  OWhiteness,whiterthanthefleeceOfnew-washedsheeponAprilsod!
  OBreathofLife,OPrinceofPeace,OLambofGod,OLambofGod!
  EasterTheairislikeabutterflyWithfrailbluewings。
  ThehappyearthlooksattheskyAndsings。
  MountHouvenkopfSerenehestands,withmistserenelycrowned,Anddrawsacloakoftreesabouthisbreast。
  ThethunderroarsbutcannotbreakhisrestAndfromhisruggedfacethetempestsbound。
  Hedoesnotheedtheangrylightning'swound,Theragingblizzardishisharmlessguest,AndhumanlifeisbutapassingjestTohimwhoseesTimespintheyearsaround。
  Butfragilesouls,inskyeyreachesfindHighvantage-pointsandviewhimfromafar。
  Howlowheseemstotheascendedmind,Howbriefheseemswhereallthingsendlessare;
  ThislittleplaymateofthemightywindThisyoungcompanionofanancientstar。
  TheHousewithNobodyinItWheneverIwalktoSuffernalongtheErietrackIgobyapooroldfarmhousewithitsshinglesbrokenandblack。
  IsupposeI'vepasseditahundredtimes,butIalwaysstopforaminuteAndlookatthehouse,thetragichouse,thehousewithnobodyinit。
  Ineverhaveseenahauntedhouse,butIheartherearesuchthings;
  Thattheyholdthetalkofspirits,theirmirthandsorrowings。
  Iknowthishouseisn'thaunted,andIwishitwere,Ido;
  Foritwouldn'tbesolonelyifithadaghostortwo。
  ThishouseontheroadtoSuffernneedsadozenpanesofglass,Andsomebodyoughttoweedthewalkandtakeascythetothegrass。
  Itneedsnewpaintandshingles,andthevinesshouldbetrimmedandtied;
  Butwhatitneedsthemostofallissomepeoplelivinginside。
  IfIhadalotofmoneyandallmydebtswerepaidI'dputagangofmentoworkwithbrushandsawandspade。
  I'dbuythatplaceandfixitupthewayitusedtobeAndI'dfindsomepeoplewhowantedahomeandgiveittothemfree。
  Now,anewhousestandingempty,withstaringwindowanddoor,Looksidle,perhaps,andfoolish,likeahatonitsblockinthestore。
  Butthere'snothingmournfulaboutit;itcannotbesadandloneForthelackofsomethingwithinitthatithasneverknown。
  Butahousethathasdonewhatahouseshoulddo,ahousethathasshelteredlife,Thathasputitslovingwoodenarmsaroundamanandhiswife,Ahousethathasechoedababy'slaughandhelduphisstumblingfeet,Isthesaddestsight,whenit'sleftalone,thateveryoureyescouldmeet。
  SowheneverIgotoSuffernalongtheErietrackInevergobytheemptyhousewithoutstoppingandlookingback,Yetithurtsmetolookatthecrumblingroofandtheshuttersfallenapart,ForIcan'thelpthinkingthepooroldhouseisahousewithabrokenheart。
  DaveLillyThere'sabrookonthesideofGreylockthatusedtobefulloftrout,Butthere'snothingtherenowbutminnows;theysayitisallfishedout。
  IfishedtheremanyaSummerdaysometwentyyearsago,AndIneverquitwithoutgettingamessofadozenorso。
  Therewasaman,DaveLilly,wholivedontheNorthAdamsroad,Andhespentallhistimefishing,whilehisneighborsreapedandsowed。
  HewastheluckiestfishermanintheBerkshirehills,Ithink。
  Andwhenhedidn'tgofishinghe'dsitinthetavernanddrink。
  Well,Daveisdeadandburiedandnobodycaresverymuch;
  TheyhavenouseinGreylockfordrunkardsandloafersandsuch。
  ButIalwayslikedDaveLilly,hewaspleasantasyoucouldwish;
  Hewasshiftlessandgood-for-nothing,buthecertainlycouldfish。
  TheothernightIwaswalkingupthehillfromWilliamstownAndIcametothebrookImentioned,andIstoppedonthebridgeandsatdown。
  IlookedattheblackenedwaterwithitslittleflecksofwhiteAndIhearditrippleandwhisperinthestilloftheSummernight。
  AndafterI'dbeenthereaminuteitseemedtomeIcouldfeelThepresenceofsomeonenearme,andIheardthehumofareel。
  Andthewaterwaschurnedandbroken,andsomethingwasbroughttolandByatwistandflirtofashadowyrodinadeftandshadowyhand。
  Iscrambleddowntothebrooksideandhuntedallabout;
  Therewasn'tasignofafisherman;therewasn'tasignofatrout。
  ButIheardsomebodychucklebehindthehollowoakAndIgotawhiffoftobaccolikeLillyusedtosmoke。
  It'sfifteenyears,theytellme,sinceanyonefishedthatbrook;
  Andthere'snothinginitbutminnowsthatnibblethebaitoffyourhook。
  ButbeforethesunhasrisenandafterthemoonhassetIknowthatit'sfullofghostlytroutforLilly'sghosttoget。
  IguessI'llgotothetavernandgetabottleofryeAndleaveitdownbythehollowoak,whereLilly'sghostwentby。
  ImeanttogouponthehillsideandtrytofindhisgraveAndputsomeflowersonit——butthiswillbebetterforDave。
  AlarmClocksWhenDawnstridesouttowakeadewyfarmAcrossgreenfieldsandyellowhillsofhayThelittletwitteringbirdslaughinhiswayAndpoisetriumphantonhisshiningarm。
  HebearsaswordofflamebutnottoharmThewakenedlifethatfeelshisquickeningswayAndbarnyardvoicesshrilling"Itisday!"
  Takebyhisgraceanewandaliencharm。
  Butinthecity,likeawoundedthingThatlimpstocoverfromtheangrychase,Hestealsdownstreetswheresicklyarc-lightssing,Andwanlymockhisyoungandshamefulface;
  AndtinygongswithcruelfervorringInmanyahighanddrearysleepingplace。
  Waverley1814-1914
  When,onanovel'snewlyprintedpageWefindamaudlineulogyofsin,Andreadofwaysthatharlotswanderin,Andofsicksoulsthatwritheinhelplessrage;
  OrwhenRomance,bespectacledandsage,TapsonherdeskandbidstheclassbeginTocontheproblemsthathavealwaysbeenPerplexedmankind'sunhappyheritage;
  TheninwhatrobesofhonorhabitedThelaureledwizardoftheNorthappears!
  WhoraisedPrinceCharlie'scohortsfromthedead,MadeRose'smirthandFlora'snobletears,AndformedthatshininglegionatwhoseheadRidesWaverley,triumphanto'ertheyears!
  [EndofTreesandOtherPoems。]
  Thefollowingbiographicalinformationistakenfromthe1917editionofJessieB。Rittenhouse'santhologyofModernVerse。
  Kilmer,Joyce。BornatNewBrunswick,NewJersey,December6,1886,andgraduatedatColumbiaUniversityin1908。AfterashortperiodofteachinghebecameassociatedwithFunkandWagnallsCompany,whereheremainedfrom1909to1912,whenheassumedthepositionofliteraryeditorof"TheChurchman"。In1913Mr。Kilmerbecameamemberofthestaffofthe"NewYorkTimes",apositionwhichhestilloccupies。Hisvolumesofpoetryare:"ASummerofLove",1911,and"Trees,andOtherPoems",1914。
  KilmerdiedinFrancein1918,andalsopublishedanothervolume,"MainStreetandOtherPoems",1917,aswellasindividualpoems,essays,etc。