Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE ISLAND, by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: A song for england? Last Line: England. Alternate Author Name(s): Hall, Galway Subject(s): England; English | ||||||||
A SONG for England? Nay, what is a song for England? Our hearts go by green-cliffed Kinsale Among the gulls' white wings, Or where, on Kentish forelands pale The lighthouse beacon swings: Our hearts go up the Mersey's tide, Come in on Suffolk foam -- The blood that will not be denied Moves fast, and calls us home! Our hearts now walk a secret round On many a Cotswold hill, For we are mixed of island ground, The island draws us still: Our hearts may pace a windy turn Where Sussex downs are high, Or watch the lights of London burn, A bonfire in the sky! What is the virtue of that soil That flings her strength so wide? Her ancient courage, patient toil, Her stubborn wordless pride? A little land, yet loved therein As any land may be, Rejoicing in her discipline, The salt stress of the sea. Our hearts shall walk a Sherwood track, Our lips taste English rain, We thrill to see the Union Jack Though all the world be of rich cost And marvellous with worth, Yet if that island ground were lost How empty were the earth! A song for England? Lo, every word we speak's a song for England. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...NINETEEN FORTY by NORMAN DUBIE GHOSTS IN ENGLAND by ROBINSON JEFFERS STAYING UP FOR ENGLAND by LIAM RECTOR STONE AND FLOWER by KENNETH REXROTH THE HANGED MAN by KENNETH REXROTH ENGLISH TRAIN COMPARTMENT by JOHN UPDIKE ANIMAL CRACKERS by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY |
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