Poem: “The Whip-Poor-Will” 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 Whip-Poor-Will

Do you remember, father,— It seems so long ago,—The day we fished together Along the Pocono?At dusk I waited for you, Beside the lumber-mill,And there I heard a hidden bird That chanted, “whip-poor-will,” “Whippoorwill! whippoorwill!” Sad and shrill,—“whippoorwill!”

The place was all deserted; The mill-wheel hung at rest;The lonely star of evening Was throbbing in the west;The veil of night was falling; The winds were folded still;And everywhere the trembling air Re-echoed “whip-poor-will!” “Whippoorwill! whippoorwill!” Sad and shrill,—“whippoorwill!”

You seemed so long in coming, I felt so much alone;The wide, dark world was round me, And life was all unknown;The hand of sorrow touched me, And made my senses thrillWith all the pain that haunts the strain Of mournful whip-poor-will. “Whippoorwill! whippoorwill!” Sad and shrill,—“whippoorwill!”

What knew I then of trouble? An idle little lad,I had not learned the lessons That make men wise and sad.I dreamed of grief and parting, And something seemed to fillMy heart with tears, while in my ears Resounded“whip-poor-will.” “Whippoorwill! whippoorwill!” Sad and shrill,—“whippoorwill!”

‘Twas but a cloud of sadness, That lightly passed away;But I have learned the meaning Of sorrow, since that day.For nevermore at twilight, Beside the silent mill,I’ll wait for you, in the falling dew, And hear the whip-poor-will. “Whippoorwill! whippoorwill!” Sad and shrill,—“whippoorwill!”

But if you still remember In that fair land of light,The pains and fears that touch us Along this edge of night,I think all earthly grieving, And all our mortal ill,To you must seem like a sad boy’s dream. Who hears the whip-poor-will. “Whippoorwill! whippoorwill!” A passing thrill,—“whippoorwill!”

1894.

< < < When Tulips Bloom
The Lily of Yorrow > > >

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

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The Whip-Poor-Will

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