To Oscar Wilde
Because from Folly's lips you got
Some babbled mandate to subdue
The realm of Common Sense, and you
Made promise and considered not
Because you strike a random blow
At what you do not understand,
And beckon with a friendly hand
To something that you do not know,
I hold no speech of your desert,
Nor answer with porrected shield
The wooden weapon that you wield,
But meet you with a cast of dirt.
Dispute with such a thing as you
Twin show to the two-headed calf?
Why, sir, if I repress my laugh,
'T is more than half the world can do.
poem by Ambrose Bierce
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Related quotes
Fundamental of Liar Chapter CXV: Common Thing
It’s not a kindness of heart
It’s not strong solidarity
It’s just a common thing
It’s not local wisdom
It’s not old tradition
It’s just a common thing
It’s not call of duty
It’s not sense of right
It’s just a common thing
It’s not formal greeting
It’s not automatic response
It’s just a common thing
It’s not a matter of guessing
It’s not a part of instinct
It’s just a common thing
It’s not natural reaction
It’s not act of compassion
It’s just a common thing
It’s not regular news
It’s not lack of awareness
It’s just a common thing
It’s not general knowledge
It’s not piece of memory
It’s just a common thing
It’s not statistic range
It’s not operational standard
It’s just a common thing
It’s not moral excuses
It’s not people ignorance
It’s just a common thing
It’s not public secret
It’s not rhetoric question
It’s just a common thing
It’s not different mindset
It’s not basic solution
It’s just a common thing
It’s not absolute law
It’s not blind obedience
It’s just a common thing
It’s not sweet revenge
It’s not getting even
It’s just a common thing
It’s not constant worry
It’s not planted fear
It’s just a common thing
It’s not usual bickering
It’s not daily fight
It’s just a common thing
It’s not die hard habit
It’s not strange behavior
It’s just a common thing
poem by Maria Sudibyo
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Common Sense Is Missing
Common Sense?
If it is so common,
Why is it so rarely displayed?
People who succeed academically...
Sometimes find it hard to mix
With those who are suppose to lack
A worldly knowledge and quick wit!
Those who spend their lives in books...
May have minds of intelligence,
But few know how to cook!
Or know how to hold a conversation...
Without returning an 'all knowing' look!
With a raised eyebrow...
And a half smile crooked!
And common sense is missing.
That is realized before a word is said!
There is something about spontaneity...
Many find difficult to express from their heads!
Or able to exchange...
When brains are prepared to regurgitate,
Details obtained about 'historical' ancient remains!
And common sense...
If there's any left,
Is not expected to come from the lips
Of minds so far removed, dull and shamefully inept!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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As a World Would Have It
ALCESTIS
Shall I never make him look at me again?
I look at him, I look my life at him,
I tell him all I know the way to tell,
But there he stays the same.
Shall I never make him speak one word to me?
Shall I never make him say enough to show
My heart if he be glad? Be glad? … ah! God,
Why did they bring me back?
I wonder, if I go to him again,
If I take him by those two cold hands again,
Shall I get one look of him at last, or feel
One sign—or anything?
Or will he still sit there in the same way,
Without an answer for me from his lips,
Or from his eyes,—or even with a touch
Of his hand on my hand?…
“Will you look down this once—look down at me?
Speak once—and if you never speak again,
Tell me enough—tell me enough to make
Me know that you are glad!
“You are my King, and once my King would speak:
You were Admetus once, you loved me once:
Life was a dream of heaven for us once—
And has the dream gone by?
“Do I cling to shadows when I call you Life?
Do you love me still, or are the shadows all?
Or is it I that love you in the grave,
And you that mourn for me?
“If it be that, then do not mourn for me;
Be glad that I have loved you, and be King.
But if it be not that—if it be true …
Tell me if it be true!”
Then with a choking answer the King spoke;
But never touched his hand on hers, or fixed
His eyes on hers, or on the face of her:
“Yes, it is true,” he said.
“You are alive, and you are with me now;
And you are reaching up to me that I—
That I may take you—I that am a King—
I that was once a man."
So then she knew. She might have known before;
Truly, she thought, she must have known it long
Before: she must have known it when she came
From that great sleep of hers.
She knew the truth, but not yet all of it:
He loved her, but he would not let his eyes
Prove that he loved her; and he would not hold
His wife there in his arms.
So, like a slave, she waited at his knees,
And waited. She was not unhappy now.
She quivered, but she knew that he would speak
Again—and he did speak.
And while she felt the tremor of his words,
He told her all there was for him to tell;
And then he turned his face to meet her face,
That she might look at him.
She looked; and all her trust was in that look,
And all her faith was in it, and her love;
And when his answer to that look came back,
It flashed back through his tears.
So then she put her arms around his neck,
And kissed him on his forehead and his lips;
And there she clung, fast in his arms again,
Triumphant, with closed eyes.
At last, half whispering, she spoke once more:
“Why was it that you suffered for so long?
Why could you not believe me—trust in me?
Was I so strange as that?
“We suffer when we do not understand;
And you have suffered—you that love me now—
Because you are a man.… There is one thing
No man can understand.
“I would have given everything?—gone down
To Tartarus—to silence? Was it that?
I would have died? I would have let you live?—
And was it very strange?”
poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson
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Down For You
VERSE 1:
Boy you know I'm the type of girl
Who will always understand
And whatever you're going through,
I will always be right there
But there's just a few things you should know
I'm not the chick that'll blow ya' spot in front your friends
Cuz I'm cool like that, I'm sayin'
Maybe your old girlfriend complained
But baby with me, it's not the same
You treat me right when we're alone
You got your own thing when you're gone
CHORUS:
Baby you know that I'm down for you
Keep that on the low when you're with your crew
Cuz I know how you feel when it's me and you
Cuz baby you know that I'll hold it down for you
No need to trip when you're with your friends
Cuz you aint gotta hug me or hold my hand
Baby I'm grown so I understand
Cuz baby you know that I'll hold it down for you
VERSE 2
It's kinda funny on the phone when I talk to you
When I tell you "I love you", and you just laugh and say "me too" (ooh)
Just the other day when you passed me by
I could see you were checkin' me from the corner of your eye
Maybe your old girlfriend complained
but baby with me, it's not the same
You treat me right when we're alone
you got your own thing when you're gone
(CHORUS 2x)
Baby you know that I'm down for you
song performed by by Christina Milian
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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A Good Horse Laugh
It looked like an abandoned house
No windows or any doors
Just gapping holes instead
And worn wooden floors
But nestled within the walls
Were friends who lived in there
They moved right in and then
With the facilities they would share
Lucky was one fellow’s name
He was friendly as you please
He had a sense of humor too
And loved to taunt and tease
He coaxed his shy buddy out
And we chatted back and forth
Such charming personalities
I enjoyed this world of horse
Oh yes, it was a pleasant day
Especially the first half
When we visit with our new friends
And had a good horse laugh!
poem by Marilyn Lott
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I Promise You (Trijan Refrain)
Oh love of mine, Oh love of mine,
Come to me in this day,
I'll save you from this world's opine
These judgements I will slay.
I'll hold you in my arms so tight
And shield our love with all my might...
I promise you
I promise you
Oh love of mine, I'll always fight.
Oh love of mine, Oh love of mine,
I'll always keep you warm,
Through thick and thin, it will be fine
I'll shield you from the storm.
Through all the battles and the wars
No matter their rank or their scores...
I promise you
I promise you
To keep love strong, what's mine and yours.
Oh love of mine, Oh love of mine,
I'll fight this to the end,
I'll put myself on the front line
To be there to defend.
I'll never let them take our love
This gift was given from above...
I promise you
I promise you
Our love they'll never deprive of.
poem by Adam McKim
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God Made Your Lips
God made your lips for me to kiss. Your hands for me to hold.
God made your smile for me to miss and treasure more than gold.
God made your ears so I could tell how beautiful you are.
God made your eyes to cast a spell, no matter, near or far.
God made your arms to hold me tight each time before I leave.
God made your legs to stir delight like Adam saw in Eve.
God made your doubts to fade away, for years have come and gone.
God made your joys thank Him each day our love goes on and on.
God made your heart a lot like mine - hold fast to what God says.
God made you my sweet Valentine, you're always in my prayers.
God made your mind, your memories, your dreams and all you're worth.
God made you precious so you'd please the luckiest man on Earth!
God made your blessings one by one and when I look at you,
I wonder what great thing I've done that you should love me, too.
poem by Denis Martindale
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The Child Dying
Unfriendly friendly universe,
I pack your stars into my purse,
And bid you so farewell.
That I can leave you, quite go out,
Go out, go out beyond all doubt,
My father says, is the miracle.
You are so great, and I so small:
I am nothing, you are all:
Being nothing, I can take this way.
Oh I need neither rise nor fall,
For when I do not move at all
I shall be out of all your day.
It's said some memory will remain
In the other place, grass in the rain,
Light on the land, sun on the sea,
A flitting grace, a phantom face,
But the world is out. There is not place
Where it and its ghost can ever be.
Father, father, I dread this air
Blown from the far side of despair
The cold cold corner. What house, what hold,
What hand is there? I look and see
Nothing-filled eternity,
And the great round world grows weak and old.
Hold my hand, oh hold it fast-
I am changing! - until at last
My hand in yours no more will change,
Though yours change on. You here, I there,
So hand in hand, twin-leafed despair -
I did not know death was so strange.
poem by Edwin Muir
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To a GItana Dancing
Because you are fair as souls of the lost are fair,
And your eyelids laugh with desire, and your laughing feet
Are winged with desire, and your hands are wanton, and sweet
Is the promise of love in your lips, and the rose in your hair
Sweet, unfaded, a promise sweet to be sought,
And the maze you tread is as old as the world is old,
Therefore you hold me, body and soul, in your hold,
And time, as you dance, is not, and the world is as nought.
You dance, and I know the desire of all flesh, and the pain
Of all longing of body for body; you beckon, repel,
Entreat, and entice, and bewilder, and build up the spell,
Link by link, with deliberate steps, of a flower-soft chain.
You laugh, and I know the despair, and you smile, and I know
The delight of your love, and the flower in your hair is a star.
It brightens, I follow; it fades, and I see it afar;
You pause: I awake; have I dreamt? was it longer ago
Than a dream that I saw you smile? for you turn, you turn,
As a startled beast in the toils: it is you that entreat,
Desperate, hating the coils that have fastened your feet,
The desire you desired that has come; and your lips now yearn,
And your hands now ache, and your feet faint for love.
Longing has taken hold even on you,
You, the witch of desire; and you pause, and anew
Your stillness moves, and you pause, and your hands move.
Time, as you dance, is as nought, and the moments seem
Swift as eternity; time is at end, for you close
Eyes and lips and hands in sudden repose;
You smile: was it all no longer ago than a dream?
poem by Arthur Symons
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The Meaning Of Our Love (Villanelle)
Maybe we cou'dn't understand the meanin' of our love or so,
Maybe we cou'dn't find each other in our world of two and
Love itself ceased to be, 'cause it had no sense o' self to glow.
Or maybe love made sense for both of us, but we didn't let it flow,
E'en we could let it flow, but we didn't give it a chance, thinkin' that
Maybe we cou'dn't understand the meanin' of our love or so.
Maybe the senses of our love were intermingled and we didn't know,
But we knew it, when we touched our angry bodies, we knew that
Love itself ceased to be, 'cause it had no sense o' self to glow.
Then, we could find our madness o' love as a big bubble growin' to blow,
A kind of madness that makes you be a drinker of your own delusions and
Maybe we cou'dn't understand the meanin' of our love or so.
But we understood the dyin' meanin' of those delusions in our life show.
They've been irreversibly dissolved into sorrow, until we're separated.
Love itself ceased to be, 'cause it had no sense o' self to glow.
Now, when we drive with time machine on the true age o' the snow,
‘Tis too late to find each other in our world of two, e'en we tried it and
Maybe we cou'dn't understand the meanin' of our love or so,
Love itself ceased to be, 'cause it had no sense o' self to glow.
poem by Marieta Maglas
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Around The World
Refrain:
Can you feel it
Can you feel it
What it means to hold a hand
Ive been around the world
Can you feel it
Can you feel it
What it means to have a friend
Ive been around the world
Refrain B:
If you need a hand, you can find a friend
In every nation, of this world
If you need a hand, you can find a friend
In every nation, of this world
Rap 1:
Ive been around the world, saw the desert and the rainbow
I go for the show, from the sand to the snow
Moskau to Manila, Milano to Beijng
Caracas to Capetown and back to Montreal
Stop running everyday from the pain, say no go
Driving you insane, no shame that you want let show
Call my name, I feel the same when you have sorrow
Grow let it go, there will always be a tomorrow
Rap 2:
All around the world, when you need a friend
Ill be there, anywhere, dont care, with a helping hand
Understand one another till the end
I swear, Im fair, I care, always gonna be there
Black, white, yellow, no matter if youre young or old
All for one, one for all, thats what my mother told me
Different colours and faces, find the trace
To your base embrace this human race
Life, will flow like a waterfall
Ive been around the world saw the desert and the rainbow
Rap 3:
Ive been around the world, saw the desert and the rainbow
I go for the show, from the sand to the snow
From New York to Paris, Sao Paulo to London
Sidney to Munich and back to Jakarta
Huge and unvorgetable China
People so open much more as I expected
Invincible pleasure in Brasil, Samba
Fond of life, there was no time to chill
Ive been around the world a thousand times for sure
Could be more explore before you walk through that door
song performed by by DJ Bobo
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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I Went Down into the Desert
I went down into the desert
To meet Elijah—
Arisen from the dead.
I thought to. find him in an echoing cave;
For so my dream had said.
I went down into the desert
To meet John the Baptist.
I walked with feet that bled,
Seeking that prophet lean and brown and bold.
I spied foul fiends instead.
I went down into the desert
To meet my God.
By him be comforted.
I went down into the desert
To meet my God.
And I met the devil in red.
I went down into the desert
To meet my God.
O, Lord my God, awaken from the dead!
I see you there, your thorn-crown on the ground,
I see you there, half-buried in the sand.
I see you there, your white bones glistening, bare,
The carrion-birds a-wheeling round your head.
poem by Vachel Lindsay
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Daughter's Vexation, Father's Explication and Idealization
Stanza I-Vexation
Where were you Daddy, when I turned one,
I want for your approval, yet there is none?
Where again were you, when I turned two?
I am right here Daddy, but where are you?
Each day I repeat: 'I miss Daddy-maybe before
The day's done, he will come though the door...'!
Do you not love me Daddy, why are you not here?
Why do you not comfort me, when I am in fear?
I need your hand in mine as I cross the street;
I want to show my Daddy to all the people I meet;
Where are you when I need to be tucked into bed?
When I fall, why are you not here to kiss my forehead?
But, you said I was the most important person in the world!
I do not understand Daddy, I thought I was your little girl! ?
Stanza II-Explication
My beloved, precious Angel-naught is there to your compare;
I have coffered in mine own heart all days we did share-
Thoughts of thee permeate to my very soul, lo, deeper still,
My absence from your life is not, surely, of my own free will!
If proffered a choice, ne'er would thee need for want,
Alas, purloined from each, each day since, still does haunt!
Many a wretched day, many a woeful, wretched night
Have I longed for thee to be within my very sight!
No measure of quittance would surely e'er answer
That which was taken, nor requite for this cancer!
Perchance, if but allowed to sleep e'er, to somniate-
This realm permits me leave, a paragon to create;
If only allowance could be made for you always to aspire,
Then only might thee gather amply, mine own unfeigned desire!
Stanza III-Idealization
Affected not would we be thus, e'er all to be as should,
Ne'er would we have cause for absence, misunderstood!
Revel with thee, would I, and share in your glory,
Full recital then, for each chapter of your story;
My approval would obviate with every bespoken word,
'I love you my Princess! ', your last words each night, heard!
Your gallant protector, from all means or form of fright,
I would lovingly lie you down to sleep, each and every night!
Your hand, interlaced with mine, whensoever we may prance;
Each day more causal still to marvel at your grace and elegance!
Jollity your constant consort, your most beauteous gift to the world,
Ever more splendid, ever more resplendent, as to you it is unfurled!
The world would be at your beckon, for only you to decide-
Watch would I, with wonderment and a Fatherly sense of pride!
Maurice Harris,25 October 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Full Color
I cry why o why did my mommy have to die?
Too many questions, no answers confuses my mind
Like what did I do, what did she do, whos to blame
No one understands what Im going through
So how can I trust what I cant touch and cant see
Believe in love and shes in front of me
Silence in your eyes, my heart so cold
No time for goodbyes, then you leave me alone
So what do I do accept it and carry on?
Or release my anger, until its gone
Show you and this world exactly how I feel death in full color
Its never been so real, its been me and you, its always been me and you
No matter what we faced, we always made it through
Get out of this dream, do what I gotta do
No one can take your place and I dont want them to
If I could take your place, I would, I would take your pain
Just to see you smile and say my name,
Just to hear you laugh and hear you cry
I dont understand, I dont know why
Ive never been it this state of mind, life just dont make sense
With you I could move mountains, right now Im helpless
I guess, you always knew what was best
Believed in your god, til the very last breath
You showed me how strong you can be
If jesus saved your life, could he do it for me?
Ill lay down my life for you and for him
Believe gods promise, Im gonna see you again
Lord here I am, but I am no one, believe in your name
Believe in your son, if you meet me here I will wait on you
Sacrifice and serve, do what you want me to
Ill take it day by day, and sit at your feet
You are strong when I am weak
I seek to keep from going under
Until I hold you again, Ill always wonder
Why did my mommy have to die?
(repeats)
song performed by by P.O.D.
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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If You Believe
Time, of rise and fly, over me, to the sea,
Love is a pride, wait for me, wait for me,
If you believe in me,
I will believe in what will be,
We want the world youve only dreamed of,
Promise of the seasons,
Give us the future please,
Thats all we need of you.
Running in circles,
Desperate we hold to yours and mine,
Using my body,
Closing our hearts and eyes.
Oh no, open the door and let the wind blow,
Take my hand, together we stand in the eye of the hurricane.
If you believe in me
I will believe in what will be,
We want the world youve only dreamed of,
Promise of the seasons,
Give us the future please,
Thats all we need of you.
Every nation, every woman, child and man
Comes on a moment, where they must take a stand,
Oh no, forget what you know, just let the wind blow,
Blown apart, you open your heart, and thats where anything can be.
If you believe in me
I will believe in what will be,
We want the world youve only dreamed of,
Promise of our seasons,
Give us the future please,
Thats all we need of you.
Out of control, out of my mind, at last,
Into my dreams, we sailed away.
If you believe in me
I will believe in what will be,
We want the world youve only dreamed of,
Promise of our seasons,
Give us the future please,
Thats all we need of you.
Oh sing it children
(if you believe in me)
Got to believe
(I will believe in what will be,)
Tell 'em what you want
(we want the world youve only dreamed of,)
World youve only dreamed of
(promise of our seasons,)
(give us the future please, )
(thats all we need of you.)
If you believe in me
I will believe in what will be,
We want the world youve only dreamed of,
Promise of our seasons,
Give us the future please,
Thats all we need of you.
song performed by by Kenny Loggins
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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If Christ Came Questioning
If Christ came questioning His world to-day,
(If Christ came questioning,)
'What hast thou done to glorify thy God,
Since last My feet this lower earth plane trod?'
How could I answer Him; and in what way
One evidence of my allegiance bring;
If Christ came questioning.
If Christ came questioning, to me alone,
(If Christ came questioning,)
I could not point to any church or shrine
And say, 'I helped build up this house of Thine;
Behold the altar, and the corner stone';
I could not show one proof of such a thing;
If Christ came questioning.
If Christ came questioning, on His demand,
(If Christ came questioning,)
No pagan soul converted to His creed
Could I proclaim; or say, that word or deed
Of mine, had spread the faith in any land;
Or sent it forth, to fly on stronger wing;
If Christ came questioning.
If Christ came questioning the soul of me,
(If Christ came questioning,)
I could but answer, 'Lord, my little part
Has been to beat the metal of my heart,
Into the shape I thought most fit for Thee;
And at Thy feet, to cast the offering;
Shouldst Thou come questioning.
'From out the earth-fed furnaces of desire,
(Ere Thou cam'st questioning,)
This formless and unfinished gift I brought,
And on life's anvil flung it down, white hot:
A glowing thing, of selfishness and fire,
With blow on blow, I made the anvil ring;
(Ere Thou cam'st questioning).
'The hammer, Self-Control, beat hard on it;
(Ere Thou cam'st questioning,)
And with each blow, rose fiery sparks of pain;
I bear their scars, on body, soul, and brain.
Long, long I toiled; and yet, dear Lord, unfit,
And all unworthy, is the heart I bring,
To meet Thy questioning.'
poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
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Half The World
Half the world lives,
Half the world makes,
Half the world gives
While the other half takes.
Half the world hates,
Half the world runs away,
Half the world's late,
Half the world praises the day.
Half the world is,
Half the world was,
Half the world thinks,
Half the world does.
Half the world lies,
Half the world burns,
Half the world cries
While the other half turns.
Half the world cares,
Half the world weeps,
Half the world shares,
Half the world keeps.
Half the world sings,
Half the world laughs,
Half the world brings,
Half the world tries to be the other half.
End.
Half The World
Words by neil peart, music by geddy lee and alex lifeson
Half the world hates
What half the world does every day
Half the world waits
While half gets on with it anyway
Half the world lives
Half the world makes
Half the world gives
While the other half takes
Half the world is
Half the world was
Half the world thinks
While the other half does
Half the world talks
With half a mind on what they say
Half the world walks
With half a mind to run away
Half the world lies
Half the world learns
Half the world flies
As half the world turns
Half the world cries
Half the world laughs
Half the world tries
To be the other half
Half of us divided like a torn-up photograph half of us are
Trying to reach the other half
Half the world cares
While half the world is wasting the day
Half the world shares
While half the world is stealing away
song performed by by Rush
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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We are finite creatures. Our lives are small and can only scientifically consider a small part of reality. What's common for us is just a sliver of what's available. We can only see so much of the electromagnetic spectrum. We can only delve so deep into extensions of space. Common sense applies to that which we can access. But common sense is just that. Common. If total sense is what we want, we should be prepared to accept that we shouldn't call infinity weird or strange. The results we've arrived at by accepting it are valid, true within the system we use to understand, measure, predict and order the universe. Perhaps the system still needs perfecting, but at the end of day, history continues to show us that the universe isn't strange. We are.
quote by Michael Stevens
Submitted by Veronica Serbanoiu
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Etude Realiste
A Baby's feet, like sea-shells pink,
Might tempt, should heaven see meet,
An angel's lips to kiss, we think,
A baby's feet.
Like rose-hued sea-flowers toward the heat
They stretch and spread and wink
Their ten soft buds that part and meet.
No flower-bells that expand and shrink
Gleam half so heavenly sweet
As shine on life's untrodden brink
A baby's feet.
II.
A baby's hands, like rosebuds furled
Whence yet no leaf expands,
Ope if you touch, though close upcurled,
A baby's hands.
Then, fast as warriors grip their brands
When battle's bolt is hurled,
They close, clenched hard like tightening bands.
No rosebuds yet by dawn impearled
Match, even in loveliest lands,
The sweetest flowers in all the world -
A baby's hands.
III.
A baby's eyes, ere speech begin,
Ere lips learn words or sighs,
Bless all things bright enough to win
A baby's eyes.
Love, while the sweet thing laughs and lies,
And sleep flows out and in,
Sees perfect in them Paradise.
Their glance might cast out pain and sin,
Their speech make dumb the wise,
By mute glad godhead felt within
A baby's eyes.
poem by Algernon Charles Swinburne
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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