Donald Benson Blanding Poems

How very simple life would be
If only there were two of me
A Restless Me to drift and roam
A Quiet Me to stay at home.
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I've tried for many an hour and minute
To think of this world without me in it.
I can't imagine a new-born day
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I try to live each day
In such a way
That when tomorrow makes today a yesterday
I will have woven into the fabric of my life
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Do not carve on stone or wood,
'He was honest' or 'He was good.'
Write in smoke on a passing breeze
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With seven flowery chains we two are held,
With seven strands of sensuous delight,
Together through this madly wondrous night.
I love my bonds, more firmly will I weld
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When blood is water; when the call of spring
Falls dully on my ears; when everything
Is just one heavy monotone of gray
And dawn's a torture, meaning 'here's a day
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What is the lure of the South Seas' song
That sings in the hearts of men so long?
What are its languorous, lingerous charms
That it reaches forth like the perfumed arms
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I am the ageless Bird of Evil Flame.
Eve knew my name.
With bitter tears she tried to quench the spark
Of envy in her son's bewildered heart. The dark
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West of the sunset stands my house;
There..and east of the dawn;
North to the Arctic runs my yard;
South to the Pole, my lawn;
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Your way is your way and my way is mine.
Mine is the foolish way, and your way is fine.
You follow your way and get what you're after.
I'll get nothing but sorrow and laughter.
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