 | Western windows and other poems |  |
50
HIGHER TENANTS.
After Winter fires were ended, and the last spark, vanishing
From the embers on our hearthstone, flew into the sky of spring:
From the embers on our hearthstone, flew into the sky of spring:
In the night-time, in the morning—when the air was hush'd around—
Throbbing vaguely on the silence, came a dull, mysterious sound:
Throbbing vaguely on the silence, came a dull, mysterious sound:
Like the sultry hum of thunder, at the sullen close of day,
Out of clouds that brood and threaten on the horizon far away.
Out of clouds that brood and threaten on the horizon far away.
“'Tis,” I said, “the April thunder,” and I thought of flowers that spring,
And of trees that stand in blossom, and of birds that fly and sing.
And of trees that stand in blossom, and of birds that fly and sing.
51
But the sound, repeated often—nearer, more familiar grown—
From our chimney seem'd descending, and the swallow's wings were known.
From our chimney seem'd descending, and the swallow's wings were known.
Where the lithe flames leap'd and lighten'd, charm of host and cheer of guest,
There the emigrant of Summer chose its homestead, built its nest.
There the emigrant of Summer chose its homestead, built its nest.
Then I dream'd of poets dwelling, like the swallow, long ago,
Overhead in dusky places ere their songs were heard below;
Overhead in dusky places ere their songs were heard below;
Overhead in humble attics, ministers of higher things:
Underneath were busy people, overhead were heavenly wings!
Underneath were busy people, overhead were heavenly wings!
And I thought of homely proverbs that on simple lips had birth,
Born of gentle superstitions at old firesides of the earth:
Born of gentle superstitions at old firesides of the earth:
52
How, where'er the swallow builded under human roofs its nest,
Something holier, purer, higher, in the house became a guest;
Something holier, purer, higher, in the house became a guest;
Peace, or Love, or Health, or Fortune—something Prosperous, from the air
'Lighting with the wings of swallows, breathed divine possession there.
'Lighting with the wings of swallows, breathed divine possession there.
“Friendly gods,” I said, “descending, make their gentler visits so,
Fill the air with benedictions—songs above and songs below!”
Fill the air with benedictions—songs above and songs below!”
Then I murmur'd, “Welcome, swallow; I, your landlord, stand content:
Even if song were not sufficient, higher Tenants pay your rent!”
Even if song were not sufficient, higher Tenants pay your rent!”
| Western windows and other poems | |