Poems (Angier)/Only Listen
ONLY LISTEN.
On the spirit's ear there linger, Often linger, like a spell,Sounds, as if an infant's finger Touched a silver bell:Now the strains are slow and sad, Now more cheerful;As the heart is grieved or glad, Hoping or fearful. Only listen!
Only listen!—they are speaking, Voices speaking sweet and low;Sweet as perfumed breath of summer. Tuneful as the brooklet's flow:When a look unkind is given, When an angry word is said;Hark! they whisper—patience, pardon, Bend the knee, and bow the head. Only listen!
Warning now, then chiding, cheering, With a song of pleasant land,Where the careworn brow and furrowed Is by heavenly zephyrs fanned:O! bid welcome these dear Voices, For from lips of Love they come;In the soul they make sweet music, When all human tongues are dumb. Only listen!
Many-toned these inward Voices— Ever pleading for the right;Only listen, they will teach thee How the burden is made light:When each earthly passion slumbers, O'er the spirit gently stealThese soft chimes, whose soothing numbers Come like balm, heart-wounds to heal. Only listen!