Classic and Contemporary Poetry
A SOUTHERN SINGER, by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: Herein are blown from out the Last Line: The night-breath of magnolia-bloom. Alternate Author Name(s): Johnson Of Boone, Benj. F. Subject(s): Poetry & Poets; Singing & Singers; Southern States; South (u.s.) | ||||||||
HEREIN are blown from out the South Songs blithe as those of Pan's pursed mouth -- As sweet in voice as, in perfume, The night-breath of magnolia-bloom. Such sumptuous languor lures the sense -- Such luxury of indolence -- The eyes blur as a nymph's might blur, With water-lilies watching her. You waken, thrilling at the trill Of some wild bird that seems to spill The silence full of winy drips Of song that Fancy sips and sips. Betimes, in brambled lanes wherethrough The chipmunk stripes himself from view, You pause to lop a creamy spray Of elder-blossoms by the way. Or where the morning dew is yet Gray on the topmost rail, you set A sudden palm and, vaulting, meet Your vaulting shadow in the wheat. On lordly swards, of suave incline, Entessellate with shade and shine, You shall misdoubt your lowly birth, Clad on as one of princely worth: The falcon on your wrist shall ride -- Your milk-white Arab side by side With one of raven-black. -- You fain Would kiss the hand that holds the rein. Nay, nay, Romancer! Poet! Seer Sing us back home -- from there to here: Grant your high grace and wit, but we Most honor your simplicity. -- Herein are blown from out the South Songs blithe as those of Pan's pursed mouth -- As sweet in voice as, in perfume, The night-breath of magnolia-bloom. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MYSTIC RIVER by GALWAY KINNELL ENTERING THE SOUTH by LUCILLE CLIFTON SNAPSHOTS OF THE COTTON SOUTH by FRANK MARSHALL DAVIS JULY IN GEORGY by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON O SOUTHLAND! by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON MY SOUTH: 1. ON THE PORCH by DONALD JUSTICE MY SOUTH: 3. ON THE FARM by DONALD JUSTICE A BOY'S MOTHER by JAMES WHITCOMB RILEY |
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