Written In Madison Caweln's 'Lyrics and Idyls.' <br /> <br />Herein are blown from out the South <br />Songs blithe as those of Pan's pursed mouth-- <br />As sweet in voice as, in perfume, <br />The night-breath of magnolia-bloom. <br /> <br />Such sumptuous languor lures the sense-- <br />Such luxury of indolence-- <br />The eyes blur as a nymph's might blur, <br />With water-lilies watching her. <br /> <br />You waken, thrilling at the trill <br />Of some wild bird that seems to spill <br />The silence full of winey drips <br />Of song that Fancy sips and sips. <br /> <br />Betimes, in brambled lanes wherethrough <br />The chipmunk stripes himself from view, <br />You pause to lop a creamy spray <br />Of elder-blossoms by the way. <br /> <br />Or where the morning dew is yet <br />Gray on the topmost rail, you set <br />A sudden palm and, vaulting, meet <br />Your vaulting shadow in the wheat. <br /> <br />On lordly swards, of suave incline, <br />Entessellate with shade and shine, <br />You shall misdoubt your lowly birth, <br />Clad on as one of princely worth: <br /> <br />The falcon on your wrist shall ride-- <br />Your milk-white Arab side by side <br />With one of raven-black.--You fain <br />Would kiss the hand that holds the rein. <br /> <br />Nay, nay, Romancer! Poet! Seer! <br />Sing us back home--from there to here; <br />Grant your high grace and wit, but we <br />Most honor your simplicity.-- <br /> <br />Herein are blown from out the South <br />Songs blithe as those of Pan's pursed mouth-- <br />As sweet in voice as, in perfume, <br />The night-breath of magnolia-bloom.<br /><br />James Whitcomb Riley<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-southern-singer/
