Classic and Contemporary Poetry
THE MUSIC OF THE SWAN, by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: I heard (alas! 'twas only in a dream) Last Line: She soared -- and I awoke, struggling in vain to follow. Subject(s): Birds; Swans | ||||||||
I HEARD (alas! 'twas only in a dream) Strains -- which, as sage Antiquity believed, By waking ears have sometimes been received Wafted adown the wind from lake or stream; A most melodious requiem, a supreme And perfect harmony of notes, achieved By a fair Swan on drowsy billows heaved, O'er which her pinions shed a silver gleam. For is she not the votary of Apollo? And knows she not, singing as he inspires, That bliss awaits her which the ungenial Hollow Of the dull earth partakes not, nor desires? Mount, tuneful Bird, and join the immortal quires! She soared -- and I awoke, struggling in vain to follow. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LOVE THE WILD SWAN by ROBINSON JEFFERS FLIGHT OF SWANS by ROBINSON JEFFERS TO A WILD SWAN by HENRY MEADE BLAND A STRAW SWAN UNDER THE CHRISTMAS TREE by DENISE LEVERTOV LEDA RECONSIDERED by MONA VAN DUYN A JEWISH FAMILY; IN A SMALL VALLEY OPPOSITE ST. GOAR by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH |
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