TO show the lab'ring bosom's deep intent, <br />And thought in living characters to paint, <br />When first thy pencil did those beauties give, <br />And breathing figures learnt from thee to live, <br />How did those prospects give my soul delight, <br />A new creation rushing on my sight? <br />Still, wond'rous youth! each noble path pursue, <br />On deathless glories fix thine ardent view: <br />Still may the painter's and the poet's fire <br />To aid thy pencil, and thy verse conspire! <br />And may the charms of each seraphic theme <br />Conduct thy footsteps to immortal fame! <br />High to the blissful wonders of the skies <br />Elate thy soul, and raise thy wishful eyes. <br />Thrice happy, when exalted to survey <br />That splendid city, crown'd with endless day, <br />Whose twice six gates on radiant hinges ring: <br />Celestial Salem blooms in endless spring. <br /> Calm and serene thy moments glide along, <br />And may the muse inspire each future song! <br />Still, with the sweets of contemplation bless'd, <br />May peace with balmy wings your soul invest! <br />But when these shades of time are chas'd away, <br />And darkness ends in everlasting day, <br />On what seraphic pinions shall we move, <br />And view the landscapes in the realms above? <br />There shall thy tongue in heav'nly murmurs flow, <br />And there my muse with heav'nly transport glow: <br />No more to tell of Damon's tender sighs, <br />Or rising radiance of Aurora's eyes, <br />For nobler themes demand a nobler strain, <br />And purer language on th' ethereal plain. <br />Cease, gentle muse! the solemn gloom of night <br />Now seals the fair creation from my sight.<br /><br />Phillis Wheatley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/to-s-m-a-young-african-painter-on-seeing-his-wor/
