Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES, by SHERARD VINES


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

I WILL LIFT UP MINE EYES, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: You shall hear o' sundays now the wind all a quiver
Last Line: Stronger, having looked on strength; wiser, having heard.
Subject(s): Oxford University


YOU shall hear o' Sundays now the wind all a-quiver
With sweet bells and deep bells swaying to and fro;
When to-day nears Evensong, as she waneth ever,
You shall cross the hills now, for it is time to go.

Time it is to see the sun flaming out of heaven,
Time to walk the turf, from the hollow to the swell,
For the gods there have need of you, sending for the heed of you
Solemn blue carillons from the blue heaven-bell,

Dropping from the sky there, the spirit and the chime
Rising from the earth there, the watcher and the song;
What the willing hands of them to help you as you climb,
What the secret pinions to bear your feet along?

You may drink a keen wine in the blowing of the breeze,
And eat of the bread that our upland hath to spare;
You may wrestle with your gods, as they go among the trees,
So the might of your sinew shall be better than a prayer.

See, the sun is slain for you, running fire and blood!
See, the night to cover you, homing like a bird;
Go now, be you weary, and find your vision good;
Stronger, having looked on strength; wiser, having heard.





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