Henry Van Dyke Poems

Let me but feel thy look's embrace,
Transparent, pure, and warm,
And I'll not ask to touch thy face,
Or fold thee with mine arm.
...

(Song for the City College of New York)

O youngest of the giant brood
Of cities far-renowned;
...

I

PRELUDE
...

Hours fly,
Flowers die:
New days,
New ways:
...

Oh, quick to feel the lightest touch
Of beauty or of truth,
Rich in the thoughtfulness of age,
The hopefulness of youth,
...

I

BIRTHDAY VERSES
...

Mother of all the high-strung poets and singers departed,
Mother of all the grass that weaves over their graves the glory of the field,
Mother of all the manifold forms of life, deep-bosomed, patient, impassive,
Silent brooder and nurse of lyrical joys and sorrows!
...

THE HOUSE

The cornerstone in Truth is laid,
The guardian walls of Honour made,
...