Caroling Dusk/To Lovers of Earth: Fair Warning

For other versions of this work, see To Lovers of Earth: Fair Warning.

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Yet Do I Marvel

Caroling Dusk (1927)
edited by Countee Cullen

To Lovers of Earth: Fair Warning by Countee Cullen

From the Dark Tower

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Countee Cullen4757824Caroling Dusk — To Lovers of Earth: Fair Warning1927Countee Cullen

TO LOVERS OF EARTH: FAIR WARNING

Give over to high things the fervent thoughtYou waste on Earth; let down the righteous bar Against a wayward peace too dearly boughtUpon this pale and passion-frozen star.Sweethearts and friends, are they not loyal? FarMore fickle, false, perverse, far more unkind,Is Earth to those who give her heart and mind.

And you whose lusty youth her snares intrigue,Who glory in her seas, swear by her clouds,With Age, man’s foe, Earth ever is in league.Time resurrects her even while he crowdsYour bloom to dust, and lengthens out your shroudsA day’s length or a year’s. She will be youngWhen your last cracked and quivering note is sung.

She will remain the Earth, sufficient stillThough you are gone, and with you that rare lossThat vanishes with your bewildered will;And there shall flame no red, indignant crossFor you, no quick white scar of wrath embossThe sky, no blood drip from a wounded moon,And not a single star chime out of tune.