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Poem
August 4, 1864
Litchfield Enquirer
Litchfield, Litchfield County, Connecticut
What is this article about?
A lyrical ode expressing deep affection for the sweet-brier plant, praising its sweetness, companionship, natural scents, and the vivid memories and joy it evokes in the poet's greenest days.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
Tender of words should singer be,
Sweet-brier, who would tell of thee;
One who has drunk with eager lip
And treasured thy companionship;
One who has sought thee far and wide,
In early dew, with morning pride;
To whom thou art no new-made friend.
Whose memories on thy breath attend.
For such thou art a lemon-grove,
Where wandering orient odors rove,—
Yet loyal ever to thy home,
The valleys where the north winds roam.
Sometimes I would call thee mine;
But sweeter far than mine or thine
To listen unto Nature's song,
Saying, To lovers all belong.
I love thee for my greenest days
Rescued from time at thy sweet gaze,
For pictures brilliant as the Spring
Brought back upon thy breathing wing
I love thee for thy influence,
Heart-honey without impotence;
He who would reach thy virgin blush,
Like warrior bold, must dangers crush.
Chiefly I love thee for thyself.
Wealth-giver, ignorant of pelf;
Fain would I learn thy upright ways
And heart thus redolent of praise.
Sweet-brier, who would tell of thee;
One who has drunk with eager lip
And treasured thy companionship;
One who has sought thee far and wide,
In early dew, with morning pride;
To whom thou art no new-made friend.
Whose memories on thy breath attend.
For such thou art a lemon-grove,
Where wandering orient odors rove,—
Yet loyal ever to thy home,
The valleys where the north winds roam.
Sometimes I would call thee mine;
But sweeter far than mine or thine
To listen unto Nature's song,
Saying, To lovers all belong.
I love thee for my greenest days
Rescued from time at thy sweet gaze,
For pictures brilliant as the Spring
Brought back upon thy breathing wing
I love thee for thy influence,
Heart-honey without impotence;
He who would reach thy virgin blush,
Like warrior bold, must dangers crush.
Chiefly I love thee for thyself.
Wealth-giver, ignorant of pelf;
Fain would I learn thy upright ways
And heart thus redolent of praise.
What sub-type of article is it?
Ode
What themes does it cover?
Nature Seasons
Love Courtship
What keywords are associated?
Sweet Brier
Nature Love
Plant Ode
Memories
Spring Beauty
Poem Details
Subject
To Sweet Brier
Form / Style
Rhymed Stanzas
Key Lines
Tender Of Words Should Singer Be,
Sweet Brier, Who Would Tell Of Thee;
Chiefly I Love Thee For Thyself.
Wealth Giver, Ignorant Of Pelf;
Fain Would I Learn Thy Upright Ways