 | Jones Very : The Complete Poems |  |
Interpreting Nature
The sights we see, the sounds we hear,
Are fitted to the eye and ear;
They're not a dumb, unmeaning show,
But speak a language all men know.
Are fitted to the eye and ear;
They're not a dumb, unmeaning show,
But speak a language all men know.
The flower, the rock, the bush, the tree,
Have each some message unto me;
They give direction to my way,
And lead me on from day to day.
Have each some message unto me;
They give direction to my way,
And lead me on from day to day.
The storm-tost wave, the moaning wind,
Have meaning to the listening mind;
Oft the forgetful soul is stirred
By insect's hum, or song of bird.
Have meaning to the listening mind;
Oft the forgetful soul is stirred
By insect's hum, or song of bird.
We need not rove o'er land and sea
Ere we shall find this mystery;
Close to ourselves the wonder lies,
In things perhaps we little prize.
Ere we shall find this mystery;
Close to ourselves the wonder lies,
In things perhaps we little prize.
469
We wander on as in a dream,
O'er lofty hill, by wandering stream;
Yet in the scene no beauty find,
With heart untouched, or worldly mind.
O'er lofty hill, by wandering stream;
Yet in the scene no beauty find,
With heart untouched, or worldly mind.
Daily the sights and sounds return,
Till we the lesson taught shall learn
That Nature everywhere doth teach,
Though not in words of human speech.
Till we the lesson taught shall learn
That Nature everywhere doth teach,
Though not in words of human speech.
Poem No. 560; c. 25 July 1874
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