Poem: “The Veery” by Henry Van Dyke

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American Literature – Children Books – American Poetry – Henry Van Dyke – Poems by Henry Van Dyke
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The Veery

The moonbeams over Arno’s vale in silver flood were pouring,When first I heard the nightingale a long-lost love deploring.So passionate, so full of pain, it sounded strange and eerie;I longed to hear a simpler strain,—the wood-notes of the veery.

The laverock sings a bonny lay above the Scottish heather;It sprinkles down from far away like light and love together;He drops the golden notes to greet his brooding mate, his dearie;I only know one song more sweet,—the vespers of the veery.

In English gardens, green and bright and full of fruity treasure,I heard the blackbird with delight repeat his merry measure:The ballad was a pleasant one, the tune was loud and cheery,And yet, with every setting sun, I listened for the veery.

But far away, and far away, the tawny thrush is singing;New England woods, at close of day, with that clear chant are ringing:And when my light of life is low, and heart and flesh are weary,I fain would hear, before I go, the wood-notes of the veery.

1895.

< < < The Lily of Yorrow
The Song-Sparrow > > >

American Literature – Children Books – American Poetry – Henry Van Dyke – Poems by Henry Van Dyke

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The Veery

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