Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, INSCRIPTIONS FOR A HOUSE, by HENRY VAN DYKE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

INSCRIPTIONS FOR A HOUSE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The cornerstone in truth is laid
Last Line: I shall live.
Alternate Author Name(s): Civis Americanus
Variant Title(s): For The Friends At Hurstmont
Subject(s): Faith; Houses; Time; Truth; Belief; Creed


THE HOUSE

THE cornerstone in Truth is laid,
The guardian walls of Honour made,
The roof of Faith is built above,
The fire upon the hearth is Love:
Though rains descend and loud winds call,
This happy house shall never fall.

THE HEARTH

WHEN the logs are burning free,
Then the fire is full of glee:
When each heart gives out its best,
Then the talk is full of zest:
Light your fire and never fear,
Life was made for love and cheer.

THE DOOR

THE lintel low enough to keep out pomp and pride:
The threshold high enough to turn deceit aside:
The doorband strong enough from robbers to defend:
This door will open at a touch to welcome every friend.

THE DIAL

TIME can never take
What Time did not give;
When your shadows have all passed,
I shall live.





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