Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, TO THE THEATRE, by ELIZABETH DAVIS RICHARDS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

TO THE THEATRE, by                    
First Line: O house of life, upon whose certain stage
Last Line: All mystery as does the last, dark lover.
Subject(s): Plays & Playwrights; Theater & Theaters


O House of Life, upon whose certain stage
In long procession slowly pass
Passions from childhood to old age
Known to immortal gods;—
You bring both tragedy and mirth. One after one
The lights go out; the play is done.

As in a mirror pass life's hate and love,
The burning moment that so vital is
To us: the russet hour and all the doubts thereof,
The April-joy, the kiss,
Then the dark hours of pain that stab and sting,
Like frost that quenches Autumn's blossoming;

Here the large-hearted and penurious meet,
Here blow for blow, and here the anguished cry;
Peace, the defeated souls entreat
But Life indifferent to each call goes by,
And joy is oft the rainbow of the tear
Seen after showers of the passing year.

Here lust is masked that he may fool despair,
And virtue seems to wear the garb of vice,
Love may seem hate; foul things seem fair;
An old tale that is told us twice. ...
Ah, House of Life, your curtains cover
All mystery as does the last, dark lover.





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