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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE DRUMMER, by EDMOND ROSTAND Poem Explanation Poet's Biography First Line: Early before the unseen cricket-choir Last Line: That mocking pipe, my spirit, whistles still! Subject(s): Love; Music & Musicians; Musical Instruments | |||
EARLY before the unseen cricket-choir Beats its small cymbal, twangs its little lyre, When rosy-green the dawning sky's unblurred, Over the white road of the mountain fair, Wandereth slowly, playing an olden air, The drummer, handsome as an antique herd. Under the pines which sprinkle on the ways The glittering dews of dawn, he trills and plays On his clear fife, even like a whistling bird. His drum swings with its ribands green and long. He goes to sing a gallant morning song To the lady by whom all his songs are heard. He breathes into his pipe a merry air, Beating the time upon his drum from where The cadences of duller sound are sent. The little fife of ivory trills and rings, And the drum follows the bright song it sings With a monotonous, sad accompaniment. Drummer of love, lo, how our fate agrees! I, too, blend sad and merry melodies! It is my heart -- that sombre tone of ill, Heavier to carry than your drum, my lad! But always, o'er its plaintive notes and sad, That mocking pipe, my spirit, whistles still! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...DRUMS AND BRASS by DONALD (GRADY) DAVIDSON ONE AND ONE by CECIL DAY LEWIS VISITING SUNDAY: CONVENT NOVITIATE by MADELINE DEFREES SEVERAL MEASURES FOR THE LITTLE LOST by NORMAN DUBIE NEAR MISS HAIKU by ANSELM HOLLO THE PLAYER PIANO by RANDALL JARRELL A BANJO SONG by JAMES WELDON JOHNSON |
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