Like some young flower, cool and white With the stars' kiss still on its brow, You shine through my heart's dusk, and light The dark concern that gathers now. Half on my lips, a fearful hope Starts like a prayer, already planned. Toward your bright head my fingers grope... But something holds my hand. Prayers are not what you want. I see That, when all other beauty fails, You will not alter, you will be So white and young -- and hard as nails.
Two Poems of Louis Untermeyer
Song Cycle by Gary Bachlund (b. 1947)
1. With a Volume of Heine  [sung text checked 1 time]
Language: English
Authorship:
- by Louis Untermeyer (1885 - 1977), "With a Volume of Heine"
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First published in The Dial, volume 68, 1920Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
2. Matinée  [sung text checked 1 time]
Language: English
The poet stood reciting Examples of his art, Considering removing The veils about his heart. Eager and self-revealing, He did his stripping well, With every burning poem Another garment fell. With passionate abandon He flung each cloth away; Exulting in the pleasure Of noble self-display. Until upon the platform Were piled his draperies. And still the poet gestured, Naked and quite at ease. And no one screamed or fainted; There was no stir or start. The ladies all applauded At such a show of art.
Authorship:
- by Louis Untermeyer (1885 - 1977), "Matinée"
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First published in The Dial, volume 68, 1920Researcher for this text: Emily Ezust [Administrator]
Total word count: 168