Poem: “Farewell to J. R. Lowell” by Oliver Wendell Holmes

Download PDF

American Literature – American Poetry – Oliver Wendell Holmes – Poems by Oliver Wendell Holmes
< < < A Vision of the Housatonic
Ode for Washington’s Birthday> > >

Farewell to J. R. Lowell

[On the occasion of Lowell’s going abroad in the spring of 1855.]

Farewell, for the bark has her breast to the tide,
And the rough arms of Ocean are stretched for his bride;
The winds from the mountain stream over the bay;
One clasp of the had, then away and away!

I see the tall mast as it rocks by the shore;
The sun is declining, I see it once more;
To-day like the blade in a thick-waving field,
To-morrow the spike on a Highlander’s shield.

Alone, while the cloud pours its treacherous breath,
With the blue lips all round her whose kisses are death;
Ah, think not the breeze that is urging her sail
Has left her unaided to strive with the gale.

There are hopes that play round her, like fires on the mast,
That will light the dark hour till its danger has past;
There are prayers that will plead with the storm when it raves,
And whisper “Be still!” to the turbulent waves.

Nay, think not that Friendship has called us in vain
To join the fair ring ere we break it again;
There is strength in its circle,—you lose in the bright star,
But its sisters still chain it, though shining afar.

I give you one health in the juice of the vine,
The blood of the vineyard shall mingle with mine;
Thus, let us drain the last dew-drops of gold,
As we empty our hearts of the blessings they hold.

< < < A Vision of the Housatonic
Ode for Washington’s Birthday > > >

American Literature – American Poetry – Oliver Wendell Holmes – Poems by Oliver Wendell Holmes

If you liked this article, subscribe , put likes, write comments!

Share on social networks

Visit us on Facebook or Twitter

Check out Our Latest Posts

Farewell to J. R. Lowell

Leave a comment Cancel reply