|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE VEERY, by HENRY VAN DYKE Poet's Biography
First Line: The moonbeams over arno's vale in silver flood were pouring
Last Line: I fain would hear, before I go, the wood-notes of the veery.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Veeries
First Line: The moonbeams over arno's vale in silver flood were pouring
Last Line: I fain would hear, before I go, the wood-notes of the veery.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Subject(s): Veeries
THE moonbeams over Arno's vale in silver flood were pouring,
When first I heard the nightingale a long-lost love deploring.
So passionate, so full of pain, it sounded strange and eerie;
I longed to hear a simpler strain, -- the wood-notes of the veery.
The laverock sings a bonny lay above the Scottish heather;
It sprinkles down from far away like light and love together;
He drops the golden notes to greet his brooding mate, his dearie;
I only know one song more sweet, -- the vespers of the veery.
In English gardens, green and bright and full of fruity treasure,
I heard the blackbird with delight repeat his merry measure:
The ballad was a pleasant one, the tune was loud and cheery,
And yet, with every setting sun, I listened for the veery.
But far away, and far away, the tawny thrush is singing;
New England woods, at close of day, with that clear chant are ringing:
And when my light of life is low, and heart and flesh are weary,
I fain would hear, before I go, the wood-notes of the veery.
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
VEERY by ARCHIBALD HAMILTON RUTLEDGE
LITTLE BOATIE'; A SLUMBER SONG FOR THE FISHERMAN'S CHILD by HENRY VAN DYKE
A MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY by HENRY VAN DYKE
A WAYFARING SONG by HENRY VAN DYKE
AN ANGLER'S WISH by HENRY VAN DYKE
FOUR THINGS [TO DO] by HENRY VAN DYKE
HOME THOUGHTS FROM EUROPE by HENRY VAN DYKE
MARE LIBERUM by HENRY VAN DYKE
THE CHILD IN THE GARDEN by HENRY VAN DYKE