Fugitive Poetry. 1600–1878/What is True Poetry?

What Is True Poetry?

Copyright. By permission of the Editor of the Imperial Speaker.

 

   Poetry—poetry!   What is true poetry?Gems of the intellect, brighter than gold;   Such as the muses bring,   New and astonishing—Glories the gifted alone can unfold.

   Beautiful—beautiful!   All that is beautiful,Seen in the stars as in glory they roll—   Images exquisite,   Pictured as requisite—Giving a joy unexpressed to the soul.

   Harmony—harmony!   Nature's sweet harmony!Hark how the melody rains from above!   Strains that are ringing clear,   Through all the atmosphere,Telling of purity, beauty, and love.

   Glorious—glorious!   Yes, it is glorious!When in the paths that a Milton has trod,   Upward the spirit springs,   As upon seraph's wings.Mounting to glory, to heaven, to God.

   Poetry—poetry!   This is true poetry;Gems of the intellect, earth, and the sky;   Thoughts that are eloquent,   Rare and magnificent,Brought from the spirit-mine never to die.