What If
what if?
i ask you
no ifs
no buts
your answer
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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The Answer
Yeah,
I've been waiting for you
So patiently
And now you're here
Ohhhhhh
You're my answer
Thank you (Yeah)
Ohhhhhh
I think you're my answer
Uh, Here I go
You're the answer
All this time I've tried to find you
I've been yearnin' (I've been yearning inside)
You're the answer to the question that's been burning (I've been burning inside)
When they ask me who I love
You're the answer (You're my answer)
You're my answer
Patiently I've waited for this day to finally come
Knowing someday somehow I would find that special one
Someone perfect, someone true, someone that I knew, was you (I knew it was you)
Who can hold me tight, keep me warm, through the night
Who can wipe my tears, when it's wrong, make it right
Who can give me love, 'til I'm satisfied
Who's the one I need in my life
You're the answer
All this time I've tried to find you
I've been yearnin' (I've been yeaning inside)
You're the answer to the question that's been burning (I've been burning inside)
When they ask me who I love
You're the answer (You're the answer baby)
You're my answer
I can hardly speak because I'm underneath your spell
Saving every moment that I have you to myself
Putting my love to the test
'Cuz baby this is destiny (Yeah, This is destiny)
You can hold me tight, keep me warm, through the night
You can wipe my tears, when its wrong, make it right
You can give me love, 'til I'm satisfied
You're the one I need in my life
You're the answer
All this time I've tried to find you
I've been yearnin' (I've been yearning)
You're the answer to the question that's been burning (I've been burning inside)
When they ask me who I love
You're the answer (You're my answer)
You're my answer (You're my answer)
You're the answer (Yeah)
All this time I've tried to find you
I've been yearnin' (I've been yearning for you)
You're the answer to the question that's been burning (Burning)
[...] Read more
song performed by Britney Spears
Added by Lucian Velea
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Answered Prayer
Every problem has solutions
Look inside your heart, see what you might find
You can draw your own conclusions
Theres summer in your soul, winter in your mind
I love, I love, I love you
I need, I need, I need you there
I love, I love, I love you
Let me be your answered prayer
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Answered prayer
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Dont cry, tears dry
Answered prayer
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Unhappy for a long time
A subtle shade of blue, indigo, thats you
You say that loves so hard to find
It just eluded you, Ive been eluded, too
I love, I love, I love, I love you
I need, I need, I need you there
Ive got to, got to, got to have you
Let me be your answered prayer
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Answered prayer
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Dont cry, tears dry
Answered prayer
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Dont cry, tears dry
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Open up your mind, open up your heart
Unlock your dreams, unchain desire
Open up your arms, open up your eyes
Answer my prayer
Truth be told, word to the wise
Open your heart, babe, open your eyes
Unlock your dreams, unchain desire
Answer my prayer, answer my prayer
Answer my prayer
Prayer
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
All I want you to do, all I want to do
Is to answer my prayer, answer baby
(answer my, answer my, answer my prayer)
Dont cry
Now give me answer, give me an answer, give me an answer
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, oh yeah
song performed by Abc
Added by Lucian Velea
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I'll Do My Best To Deliver
Ask me for what you want.
Just ask me,
Ask me.
And make it anything,
You need...
From me.
Ask me for what you want.
Ask me for what you need,
And I'll do my best to deliver.
Ask me.
Just ask me.
Ask me for what you want.
Just ask me.
Ask me.
Ask me for anything,
And I will fullfill...
That need.
Ask me for what you want.
Ask me for what you need,
And I'll do my best to deliver.
Ask me.
Just ask me.
And I'll do my best to deliver.
Ask me.
Just ask me.
Oh ask me for what you want.
Ask me for what you need,
And I'll do my best to deliver.
Ask me.
Just ask me.
And I will do my best to deliver.
Ask me.
Just ask me.
And I'll do my best to deliver.
Ask me.
Just ask me.
And I will do my best to deliver.
Just ask me for what you want.
Just ask me for what you need,
And I will do my best to deliver.
Come thunderstorms, rain or shine...
That pressure you have will be taken right off your mind.
I will do my best to deliver.
Just ask me...
[...] Read more
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Alibi
You did it 'cause you wanted
Alibi, alibi
And you took it
Cause you need it
Alibi, alibi
But if I've done something wrong there's no "ifs and buts"
'Cause I love you just as much as I hate your guts
Alibi, alibi, alibi...
And you don't need anybody
Alibi, alibi
But you are the only one that knows this
Alibi, alibi
You deserve it 'cause you're special
Alibi, alibi
Maybe Jesus wants you for a sunbeam
Alibi, alibi
But if I've left something out
I apologize
But if you look in my eyes
Then I'm sure you'll see...
Alibis, alibis, alibis...
Sometimes I'm so forgiving
Everything seems bad to me
But I can't go on living
With this alibi, alibi, alibi...
"Insane," what a mundane
Alibi, alibi
And you only wanted to be famous
Alibi, alibi
Sorry, but your mommy doesn't love you
Alibi, alibi
Stop me if you've heard this...
Alibi, alibi
But if I've done something right then don't be surprised
There are soldiers who will kill but refuse to die
But if I've done something wrong there's no "ifs and buts"
'Cause I love you just as much as I hate your guts
Alibi, alibi, alibi, alibi...
You were weak...
You couldn't help it
Alibi, alibi
But you never had a pony
Alibi, alibi
Chorus
And you're such a people person
Alibi, alibi
And I will be true to you forever
Alibi, alibi
But you're stupid and you're lazy
Alibi, alibi
[...] Read more
song performed by Elvis Costello
Added by Lucian Velea
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Only Mental Memoirs Kept
There is going to be a clean sweep.
A complete overhaul...
Of present thinking,
By those who rode...
On a merry-go-round enjoyed.
But now has been stalled.
For certain conditions,
To be employed!
A total restructuring,
Of a thought process.
Coming soon to a mind near you.
And this,
All can expect!
Gone are the days,
Are those having their way.
With assumptions done...
Including less discipline,
To have a life full of fun!
A consciousness that will insist,
Everyone snaps awake.
And overnight this will seem,
To have taken place.
Attitudes about who will do what...
Will have few people,
Sitting on their butts!
With no 'buts' or 'ifs'...
Used for excuses to resist!
A total restructuring,
Of a thought process.
Coming soon to a mind near you.
And this,
All can expect!
No one will be asked to choose,
Whether or not they will participate.
With a hesitation to confuse.
What will be delivered,
No one can refuse.
No offer will be made...
To those in moods wishing to debate!
Those days are gone!
Only mental memoirs kept...
[...] Read more
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Epithalamion
YE learned sisters, which have oftentimes
Beene to me ayding, others to adorne,
Whom ye thought worthy of your gracefull rymes,
That even the greatest did not greatly scorne
To heare theyr names sung in your simple layes,
But joyed in theyr praise;
And when ye list your owne mishaps to mourne,
Which death, or love, or fortunes wreck did rayse,
Your string could soone to sadder tenor turne,
And teach the woods and waters to lament
Your dolefull dreriment:
Now lay those sorrowfull complaints aside;
And, having all your heads with girlands crownd,
Helpe me mine owne loves prayses to resound;
Ne let the same of any be envide:
So Orpheus did for his owne bride!
So I unto my selfe alone will sing;
The woods shall to me answer, and my Eccho ring.
Early, before the worlds light-giving lampe
His golden beame upon the hils doth spred,
Having disperst the nights unchearefull dampe,
Doe ye awake; and, with fresh lusty-hed,
Go to the bowre of my beloved love,
My truest turtle dove;
Bid her awake; for Hymen is awake,
And long since ready forth his maske to move,
With his bright Tead that flames with many a flake,
And many a bachelor to waite on him,
In theyr fresh garments trim.
Bid her awake therefore, and soone her dight,
For lo! the wished day is come at last,
That shall, for all the paynes and sorrowes past,
Pay to her usury of long delight:
And, whylest she doth her dight,
Doe ye to her of joy and solace sing,
That all the woods may answer, and your eccho ring.
Bring with you all the Nymphes that you can heare
Both of the rivers and the forrests greene,
And of the sea that neighbours to her neare:
Al with gay girlands goodly wel beseene.
And let them also with them bring in hand
Another gay girland
For my fayre love, of lillyes and of roses,
Bound truelove wize, with a blew silke riband.
And let them make great store of bridale poses,
And let them eeke bring store of other flowers,
To deck the bridale bowers.
And let the ground whereas her foot shall tread,
[...] Read more
poem by Edmund Spenser
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Y
Don't ask us Y!
We do the things that we do
Don't ask us Y!
We feel the same as you
Don't ask us Y!
Life can be so damn cruel
Don't ask us Y!
It's all been decided for you
Pure soul first breath is filled with sin
A young child just born quit suffering
A mother's greed, get high, chasin' ghosts again
This will happen over and over again!
Don't ask us Y!
We do the things that we do
Don't ask us Y!
We feel the same as you
Don't ask us Y!
Life can be so damn cruel
Don't ask us Y!
It's all been decided for you
I look into your eyes, I feel your pain, life's insane
I'm gonna do my best to try again and live again
I know we're all the same, we live our lives it's like a game
And still we do it over and over again!
Don't ask us Y!
We do the things that we do
Don't ask us Y!
We feel the same as you
Don't ask us Y!
Life can be so damn cruel
Don't ask us Y!
It's all been decided for you
First communion done, now your life has just begun
Second plot the whole world is looking with a gun
Another child will do it when he's on the run
The vicious circle of life has just begun!
Don't ask us Y!
We do the things that we do!
Don't ask us Y!
We feel the same as you!
Don't ask us Y!
Life can be sooo cruel!
Don't ask us Y!
It's all been decided for you!
Don't ask us Y!
We feel the same as you
Don't ask us Y!
Life can be so damn cruel
Don't ask us Y!
It's all been decided for you
[...] Read more
song performed by Zug Izland
Added by Lucian Velea
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When You Wish That We Stop Thinking For A While
your life must be messy,
like your room with books scattered on the floor
dirty socks and shirts and underwears
everywhere in bed in the sink in the cabinets
open when they should have been closed
like a mouth and mind
with nothing good to say
but just the same still muttering
some words which are not necessary
for the day
which should have been
beautiful
you think that what makes the mess is this
ability to think to classify and to prefer
what must be
what should have been
the standards and some things ethical and proper
and restrained
perhaps, you think, if you stop thinking
life would have been nicer and easier to manage
like simpy being attuned to the mess
and living with what is simply there
no ifs
no buts
no 'i wish this were this and this were that'
just wallowing and sleeping when sleepy
and eating when hungry and leaving when there is nothing
worth staying
to cease thinking when you want to
and life would have been one wonderful state
wo/man is a rational animal
rationality, thinking, is its essence, and when you cease to think
even for a minute
you must suffer the consequence
no ifs
no buts
you too cease, you die, your eyes wide open
those that do not blink, like a fish you think is not sleeping
or dead
you wish you were unthinking
what you wish is after all, the death that lurks in your mind,
ask yourself, in truth, you wish for it, but you do not confront it
so, why not just live, and think some more, and just let it be
do not die,
[...] Read more
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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Wishing That I'd Stop Thinking For A While
your life must be messy,
like your room with books scattered on the floor
dirty socks and shirts and underwears
everywhere in bed in the sink in the cabinets
open when they should have been closed
like a mouth and mind
with nothing good to say
but just the same still muttering
some words which are not necessary
for the day
which should have been
beautiful
you think that what makes the mess is this
ability to think to classify and to prefer
what must be
what should have been
the standards and some things ethical and proper
and restrained
perhaps, you think, if you stop thinking
life would have been nicer and easier to manage
like simpy being attuned to the mess
and living with what is simply there
no ifs
no buts
no 'i wish this were this and this were that'
just wallowing and sleeping when sleepy
and eating when hungry and leaving when there is nothing
worth staying
to cease thinking when you want to
and life would have been one wonderful state
wo/man is a rational animal
rationality, thinking, is its essence, and when you cease to think
even for a minute
you must suffer the consequence
no ifs
no buts
you too cease, you die, your eyes wide open
those that do not blink, like a fish you think is not sleeping
or dead
you wish you were unthinking
what you wish is after all, the death that lurks in your mind,
ask yourself, in truth, you wish for it, but you do not confront it
so, why not just live, and think some more, and just let it be
do not die,
[...] Read more
poem by Ric S. Bastasa
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Simply Complicated
When you find out things about yourself
that you hadn't thought to know.
When your grandma calls
and books you on the Jerry Springer show.
And you find out you and your wife for ten years,
just might be related
Brother, life's not over,
it's just simply complicated.
There's other situations
that might challenge you, I guess
When your daughter tries out for the footbal team
and your son tries on her dress
And you start to think that the devil's in charge
of how you're situated.
Life is still worth livin
It's just simply complicated.
Life is complicated with its
ifs and ands and buts.
It's alright to be crazy,
just don't let it drive you nuts!
My daughter wants to go on dates,
I think I'll let her go.
But she better not be movin'
at the movin' picture show.
Her stops by all those honky tonks
and getin' aviated
aint it all a caution?
Its just simply complicated.
Now I'm havin a big problem
with my present-day career
My ship, she has a rudder
but I don't know where to steer.
Am I country, pop or rock-and-roll?
I know they are related.
I'll just let you be the judge.
It's simply complicated.
Life is complicated with its
ifs and ands and buts.
It's alright to be crazy,
just don't let it drive you nuts!
song performed by Jimmy Buffett
Added by Lucian Velea
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If Only
IF only? Do it now fair friend,
ON ifs and buts time will not wait,
Leave vain regrets, anticipate!
Youth sighs good-byes until ti[m]es end.
IF only? Kisses signals send!
ONe sip, for lips four to elate,
Life is too short to hesitate!
Your closeness sought should joy extend.
IF only? There’s no time to spend!
ONce IS forever! Don’t debate!
Leave b[l]ind fact cracked behind – the gate
Yin, Yang leaves open none should rend.
IF only? Lifespans none extend,
ONto eternity see Fate
Lottery duly orchestrate...
Yet 'free will' sentence may suspend.
IF only one could clone or blend
ONline or off another state.
Let go! If you cannot score straight
Your cards can’t trump, heart buck harsh trend.
22 March 2005 revised 12 November 2008
robi03_1100_robi03_0000 AXX_CEZ
for previous version see below
If Only
IF only? Do it now dear friend,
ON ifs and buts time will not wait,
Leave vain regrets, anticipate!
Youth sighs good-byes until ti[m]es end.
IF only? Kisses signals send!
ONe sip, for lips four to elate,
Life is too short to hesitate!
Your closeness sought should joy extend.
IF only? There’s no time to spend!
ONce IS forever! Don’t debate!
Leave b[l]ind fact cracked behind – the gate
Yin, Yang leaves open none should rend.
IF only one could clone or blend
ONline or off another state.
Let go! If you cannot score straight
[...] Read more
poem by Jonathan Robin
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I Am Glad One of Us Does
Where do you pick up your IFS and BUTS?
You are quite proficient with their use.
Your escapades with excuses,
Are notoriously known.
And you have been consistent,
With an accepted inefficiency.
An effort that disqualifies you as remarkable.
Yet qualifies your abilities,
As a dangerous role model to follow.
And no pity you accept should be interpreted for praise.
WHERE did you purchase this mentality?
Too many with this mindset,
Should be feared for their lack of basic comprehension.
If it is easy for them to gather IFS and BUTS...
What else could they be hiding?
Like those who say, 'You know what I'm saying? '
And you have not one clue,
Why 'you' are the one expected to know.
'You know what I'm saying?
Do you?
I am glad one of us does! '
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Ifs And Buts
You want me to believe in you.
In everything you may say and do.
But when you almost touch my trust...
There is something that you do,
That messes that up.
You do a slick sliding done on alibis.
Thinking I will stoop for duping.
And this you try!
I've had enough of ifs and buts.
Dressed and hidden behind a disguise.
You deceive me with increasing ease.
As if to do it is okay with me.
You expect me not to question at all,
Your whereabouts without a telephone call.
You deceive me with increasing ease.
As if to do it is okay with me.
You do a slick sliding done for fun.
But let me tell you baby I am not the one.
You want me to believe in you.
In everything you may say and do.
But when you almost touch my trust...
There is something that you do,
That messes that up.
I've had enough of your ifs and buts.
Pack your bags fast and don't shuffle a strut.
I'm use to you thinking quick on your feet!
But save your innocence it isn't working on me.
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Ask
This is our new single ...
Ask !
Shyness is nice, and
Shyness can stop you
From doing all the things in life
That you'd like to
Shyness is nice, and
Shyness can stop you
From doing all the things in life
That you'd like to
So, if there's something you'd like to try
If there's something you'd like to try
Ask me - i won't say "no" - how could i ?
Coyness is nice, and
Coyness can stop you
From doing all the things in
Life that you want to
So, if there's something you'd like to try
If there's something you'd like to try
Ask me - i won't say "no" - how could i ?
Spending warm summer days indoors
Writing frightening verse
To a buck-toothed girl in luxembourg
Ask me, ask me, ask me
Ask me, ask me, ask me
Because if it's not love
Then it's the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb
That will bring us together
Nature is a language - can't you read ?
Nature is a language - can anybody read ?
So ... ask me, ask me, ask me
Ask me, ask me, ask me
Because if it's not love
Then it's the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb
That will bring us together
If it's not love
Then it's the bomb
Then it's the bomb
That will bring us together
So ... ask me, ask me, ask me
Ask me, ask me, ask me
Oh, la ...
song performed by Smiths
Added by Lucian Velea
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Midnight Shift
(lee / ainsworth)
Well, if you see old annie give her a lift.
cos annies been working on the midnight shift.
Annie puts her hair upon her head
Paints them lips a bright, bright red
Wears that dress that fits real tight
Starts staying out to the middle of the night.
Says that her friends give her a lift.
Well, annies been working on the midnight shift.
Well, she acts a little funny
Seems a little strange
Starts spending your money for a brand new thing
Tells you that she wants to use the car
Never explains what she wants it for
Brother, it aint no ifs
Well, annies been working on the midnight shift
Early in the morning when the sun comes up
You look at old annie and she looks kinda rough.
You tell her honey, get outa bed.
She says leave me alone, Im just about dead.
Brother, these aint no ifs
cos annies been working on the midnight shift
If you got a good mama thats stayin at home
You better enjoy it cos it wont last long.
When you think everythings all right
She starts going round in the middle of the night.
Brother, there just aint no ifs
cos annies been working on the midnight shift
Brother, this aint no ifs
cos annies been working on the midnight shift, yeah.
song performed by Hollies
Added by Lucian Velea
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Why Empower It With Concern?
When something isn't...
Why empower it with concern?
What lesson is there learned,
By choosing to discuss...
The 'what ifs'.
As if those 'what ifs' breathe and exist!
When something isn't...
Why empower it with concern?
What lesson is there learned,
By choosing to discuss...
The 'what ifs'.
As if those 'what ifs' breathe and exist!
And the next step we need to take...
Is to select someone qualified,
To monitor our decisions and babysit!
And that time spent doing this...
Has been wasted like devalued dollars,
We struggle to find ways to throw away...
Or burn.
With no regard and less concern.
And that is the headache we've lived to earn.
Too many are already confused in creating solutions.
All we need to do,
Is to commit ourselves to have nothing to do with it.
Already you look relieved!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
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Without a Hint of Wisdom
Caught up in the 'what ifs' and 'whys'.
And not seeing eye to eye with a reality
That has longed called for their attention!
No one wants to mention that.
They would rather play cat and mouse games.
And play tag with an upcoming disaster!
This will be their glory!
And their claim to fame.
This they play...
Is the ignorant game,
Played their way!
Caught up in the 'what ifs' and 'whys',
Have been those who chose to lie all their lives.
Storytelling their way to prescribed drugs!
And many find them pleasant to be around.
It then becomes no secret kept as to 'why'.
This they play...
Is the ignorant game,
Played their way!
When they are seen caught up,
In the 'what ifs and 'whys' of life.
It becomes clearly understood without question,
They have been detached much longer...
Than they were thought to be deranged!
And 'this' those who know,
Have found attractive to show...
As a destination.
To astound the nonbelievers!
This they play...
Is the ignorant game,
Played their way!
Caught up in the 'what ifs' and 'whys'.
And not seeing eye to eye with a reality
That has longed called for their attention!
No one wants to mention that.
They would rather play cat and mouse games.
And play tag with an upcoming disaster!
This will be their glory!
And their claim to fame.
This they play...
Is the ignorant game,
Played their way!
For lives that stay tricked,
Without a hint of wisdom...
Exiting from their lips!
poem by Lawrence S. Pertillar
Added by Poetry Lover
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Courtship of Miles Standish, The
I
MILES STANDISH
In the Old Colony days, in Plymouth the land of the Pilgrims
To and fro in a room of his simple and primitive dwelling,
Clad in doublet and hose, and boots of Cordovan leather,
Strode, with a martial air, Miles Standish the Puritan Captain.
Buried in thought he seemed, with his hands behind him, and pausing
Ever and anon to behold his glittering weapons of warfare,
Hanging in shining array along the walls of the chamber, --
Cutlass and corselet of steel, and his trusty sword of Damascus,
Curved at the point and inscribed with its mystical Arabic sentence,
While underneath, in a corner, were fowling-piece, musket, and matchlock.
Short of stature he was, but strongly built and athletic,
Broad in the shoulders, deep-chested, with muscles and sinews of iron;
Brown as a nut was his face, but his russet beard was already
Flaked with patches of snow, as hedges sometimes in November.
Near him was seated John Alden, his friend and household companion,
Writing with diligent speed at a table of pine by the window:
Fair-haired, azure-eyed, with delicate Saxon complexion,
Having the dew of his youth, and the beauty thereof, as the captives
Whom Saint Gregory saw, and exclaimed, "Not Angles, but Angels."
Youngest of all was he of the men who came in the Mayflower.
Suddenly breaking the silence, the diligent scribe interrupting,
Spake, in the pride of his heart, Miles Standish the Captain of Plymouth.
"Look at these arms," he said, "the war-like weapons that hang here
Burnished and bright and clean, as if for parade or inspection!
This is the sword of Damascus I fought with in Flanders; this breastplate,
Well I remember the day! once save my life in a skirmish;
Here in front you can see the very dint of the bullet
Fired point-blank at my heart by a Spanish arcabucero.
Had it not been of sheer steel, the forgotten bones of Miles Standish
Would at this moment be mould, in their grave in the Flemish morasses."
Thereupon answered John Alden, but looked not up from his writing:
"Truly the breath of the Lord hath slackened the speed of the bullet;
He in his mercy preserved you, to be our shield and our weapon!"
Still the Captain continued, unheeding the words of the stripling:
"See, how bright they are burnished, as if in an arsenal hanging;
That is because I have done it myself, and not left it to others.
Serve yourself, would you be well served, is an excellent adage;
So I take care of my arms, as you of your pens and your inkhorn.
Then, too, there are my soldiers, my great, invincible army,
Twelve men, all equipped, having each his rest and his matchlock,
Eighteen shillings a month, together with diet and pillage,
And, like Caesar, I know the name of each of my soldiers!"
This he said with a smile, that danced in his eyes, as the sunbeams
Dance on the waves of the sea, and vanish again in a moment.
Alden laughed as he wrote, and still the Captain continued:
"Look! you can see from this window my brazen howitzer planted
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poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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The Courtship of Miles Standish
I
MILES STANDISH
In the Old Colony days, in Plymouth the land of the Pilgrims
To and fro in a room of his simple and primitive dwelling,
Clad in doublet and hose, and boots of Cordovan leather,
Strode, with a martial air, Miles Standish the Puritan Captain.
Buried in thought he seemed, with his hands behind him, and pausing
Ever and anon to behold his glittering weapons of warfare,
Hanging in shining array along the walls of the chamber, --
Cutlass and corselet of steel, and his trusty sword of Damascus,
Curved at the point and inscribed with its mystical Arabic sentence,
While underneath, in a corner, were fowling-piece, musket, and matchlock.
Short of stature he was, but strongly built and athletic,
Broad in the shoulders, deep-chested, with muscles and sinews of iron;
Brown as a nut was his face, but his russet beard was already
Flaked with patches of snow, as hedges sometimes in November.
Near him was seated John Alden, his friend and household companion,
Writing with diligent speed at a table of pine by the window:
Fair-haired, azure-eyed, with delicate Saxon complexion,
Having the dew of his youth, and the beauty thereof, as the captives
Whom Saint Gregory saw, and exclaimed, "Not Angles, but Angels."
Youngest of all was he of the men who came in the Mayflower.
Suddenly breaking the silence, the diligent scribe interrupting,
Spake, in the pride of his heart, Miles Standish the Captain of Plymouth.
"Look at these arms," he said, "the war-like weapons that hang here
Burnished and bright and clean, as if for parade or inspection!
This is the sword of Damascus I fought with in Flanders; this breastplate,
Well I remember the day! once save my life in a skirmish;
Here in front you can see the very dint of the bullet
Fired point-blank at my heart by a Spanish arcabucero.
Had it not been of sheer steel, the forgotten bones of Miles Standish
Would at this moment be mould, in their grave in the Flemish morasses."
Thereupon answered John Alden, but looked not up from his writing:
"Truly the breath of the Lord hath slackened the speed of the bullet;
He in his mercy preserved you, to be our shield and our weapon!"
Still the Captain continued, unheeding the words of the stripling:
"See, how bright they are burnished, as if in an arsenal hanging;
That is because I have done it myself, and not left it to others.
Serve yourself, would you be well served, is an excellent adage;
So I take care of my arms, as you of your pens and your inkhorn.
Then, too, there are my soldiers, my great, invincible army,
Twelve men, all equipped, having each his rest and his matchlock,
Eighteen shillings a month, together with diet and pillage,
And, like Caesar, I know the name of each of my soldiers!"
This he said with a smile, that danced in his eyes, as the sunbeams
Dance on the waves of the sea, and vanish again in a moment.
Alden laughed as he wrote, and still the Captain continued:
"Look! you can see from this window my brazen howitzer planted
[...] Read more
poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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Enoch Arden
Long lines of cliff breaking have left a chasm;
And in the chasm are foam and yellow sands;
Beyond, red roofs about a narrow wharf
In cluster; then a moulder'd church; and higher
A long street climbs to one tall-tower'd mill;
And high in heaven behind it a gray down
With Danish barrows; and a hazelwood,
By autumn nutters haunted, flourishes
Green in a cuplike hollow of the down.
Here on this beach a hundred years ago,
Three children of three houses, Annie Lee,
The prettiest little damsel in the port,
And Philip Ray the miller's only son,
And Enoch Arden, a rough sailor's lad
Made orphan by a winter shipwreck, play'd
Among the waste and lumber of the shore,
Hard coils of cordage, swarthy fishing-nets,
Anchors of rusty fluke, and boats updrawn,
And built their castles of dissolving sand
To watch them overflow'd, or following up
And flying the white breaker, daily left
The little footprint daily wash'd away.
A narrow cave ran in beneath the cliff:
In this the children play'd at keeping house.
Enoch was host one day, Philip the next,
While Annie still was mistress; but at times
Enoch would hold possession for a week:
`This is my house and this my little wife.'
`Mine too' said Philip `turn and turn about:'
When, if they quarrell'd, Enoch stronger-made
Was master: then would Philip, his blue eyes
All flooded with the helpless wrath of tears,
Shriek out `I hate you, Enoch,' and at this
The little wife would weep for company,
And pray them not to quarrel for her sake,
And say she would be little wife to both.
But when the dawn of rosy childhood past,
And the new warmth of life's ascending sun
Was felt by either, either fixt his heart
On that one girl; and Enoch spoke his love,
But Philip loved in silence; and the girl
Seem'd kinder unto Philip than to him;
But she loved Enoch; tho' she knew it not,
And would if ask'd deny it. Enoch set
A purpose evermore before his eyes,
To hoard all savings to the uttermost,
To purchase his own boat, and make a home
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poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson
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