Classic and Contemporary Poetry
MUSIC OF NOVEMBER, by J. L. HARPER First Line: On a brisk november morning Last Line: Nor the righteous want for bread. Subject(s): November | ||||||||
On a brisk November morning As sun peeps over the hills, The wagons rattle to the fields Nor stop for morning's chills. With mittens and with hooks in place, Their jackets off for speed, They wrap the lines up on the dash, Now, who will take the lead? "You go ahead," says Bill to Joe, "And when your load is on, You'll find me sticking close behind, And I'll be coming strong." Talk about your lively music, There is nothing to compare With the music on the throwboard When the frost is in the air. Joe is yanking out the nubins At a hundred-bushel rate; Bill can do it, too, I venture, For he's up to Joe's endgate. But the music loses volume; Seems to change to softer notes And a song of peace and plenty Over the rustling cornfield floats. Like a song of pigs and cattle In the farmyard on the hill; Like a song of sweet contentment When old winter's blasts are chill. Yet another change I notice In the music from the board As the corn fills up the wagon With its precious golden hoard; Now the music seems to fade away And blend into the sheen Of the haze of Indian Summer Like a blissful, happy dream; Seems to melt and merge with beauty Of the Indian Summer haze, And to lose itself in splendor Of these bright November days. Thus this music of November, Laden with Thanksgiving prayer, Like the wagons with their treasure to the cribs, their burdens bear; So this music, with its treasure From the fields of golden corn Wafted upward in thanksgiving On this brisk November morn, In a song of sweet thanksgiving Unto Him, for He hath said That His children shall not hunger, Nor the righteous want for bread. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A DANGEROUS TIME by LINDA PASTAN XMAS COMING by KENNETH REXROTH LUNAR PARAPHRASE by WALLACE STEVENS THE REGION NOVEMBER by WALLACE STEVENS CHAMBER MUSIC: 19 by JAMES JOYCE |
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