Oberon and Puck

Chapter 23: TO-DAY.

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

About This Book

A lyrical volume of poems alternating serious and playful tones, presented in two complementary groupings that range from meditative pieces steeped in faery and classical allusion to lighter, sprightly verse about nature, music, and childhood. Rich natural imagery—woods, flowers, birds, and seasonal change—permeates many lyrics, while occasional elegies and critical tributes honor other artists. Short ballads and children’s songs add narrative and comic sketches, and several occasional pieces contemplate rites of passage and parting. The poems employ varied stanza forms to balance romantic imagination, attentive observation, and gentle humor.

TO-DAY.

Voice, with what emulous fire thou singest free hearts of old fashion,

English scorners of Spain, sweeping the blue sea-way,

Sing me the daring of life for life, the magnanimous passion

Of man for man in the mean populous streets of To-day!

Hand, with what color and power thou couldst show, in the ring hot-sanded,

Brown Bestiarius holding the lean tawn tiger at bay,

Paint me the wrestle of Toil with the wild-beast Want, bare-handed;

Shadow me forth a soul steadily facing To-day!