Poems (Dorr)/What Need?
WHAT NEED?
"What need has the singer to sing? And why should your poet to-dayHis pale little garland of poesy bring, On the altar to lay?High-priests of song the harp-strings sweptAges before he smiled or wept!"
What need have the roses to bloom? And why do the tall lilies grow?And why do the violets shed their perfume When night-winds breathe low?They are no whit more bright and fairThan flowers that breathed in Eden's air!
What need have the stars to shine on? Or the clouds to grow red in the west,When the sun, like a king, from the fields he has won, Goes grandly to rest?No brighter they than stars and skiesThat greeted Eve's sweet, wondering eyes!
What need has the eagle to soar So proudly straight up to the sun?Or the robin such jubilant music to pour When day is begun?The eagles soared, the robins sung,As high, as sweet, when earth was young!
What need, do you ask me? Each day Hath a song and a prayer of its own,As each June hath its crown of fresh roses, each May Its bright emerald throne!Its own high thought each age shall stir,Each needs its own interpreter!
And thou, O, my poet, sing on! Sing on until love shall grow old;Till patience and faith their last triumphs have won, And truth is a tale that is told!Doubt not, thy song shall still be newWhile life endures and God is true!