Classic and Contemporary Poetry
OH GERMANY!, by EMIL VON SCHONAICH-CAROLATH Poet's Biography First Line: A german town with gables Last Line: To-day and evermore. Alternate Author Name(s): Prince Emil Rudolf Osman Of Schoenaich-carolath-shields; The Poet Prince From The Haseldorfer Marsch Subject(s): Germany | ||||||||
A German town with gables Upon a moonlight night-- I know not why I always Am touched so by the sight. Into the lamplight yonder A youth is staring long; He's sighing, sobbing, feeling His first and dearest song. There sits a youthful mother And rocks to rest her child; She's praying while she rocks him To sleep with singing mild. On the moonlit gables linger An old man's pensive eyes: He holds in his hands a Bible Where a faded nosegay lies. The twinkling stars are gleaming, There's rustling in the trees; The houses all seem dreaming In deep and drowsy ease. The fountain is splashing, flowing, As always on Simon Square, The watchman low is blowing Upon the horn his air. Oh Germany! I've had pleasure In many a foreign land-- But to thee greatest treasure Was given by God's own hand. Thou living, longing foundest Thy dreams in deepest peace. The while thou iron poundest, Thy songs shall never cease. Let no one rob thy worship-- Thy worship old and true Of women, faith and freedom, And keep it ever new! Draw from the fount of story Thy piety of yore, And strength to fight with glory-- To-day and evermore. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ON READING AN ANTHOLOGY OF POSTWAR GERMAN POETRY by LISEL MUELLER A GERMAN REQUIEM by JAMES FENTON THE BARON'S LAST BANQUET by ALBERT GORTON GREENE THE BOOK OF YOLEK by ANTHONY HECHT MEN AND BOYS by KARL THEODORE KORNER BINGEN ON THE RHINE by CAROLINE ELIZABETH SARAH SHERIDAN NORTON |
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