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A continuing selection of classic and contemporary poems.

Compensations: 02 - Deaf

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

I can recall a time, when on mine ears
There fell chaotic sounds of earthly life,
Shrill cries of triumph, and hoarse shouts of strife;
A medley of despairs, and hopes and fears.
Then silence came, and unavailing tears.
The stillness stabbed me, like a two edged-knife;
Until I found the Universe was rife
With subtle music of the neighbouring spheres.
Such harmonies, such congruous sweet chords,
Wherein each note conveys a healing balm.
And now no more I miss men’s spoken words;
For, in a quiet world of larger thought,
I know the joy that comes from being calm.
Online text © 1998-2008 Poetry X. All rights reserved.
From The Englishman and Other Poems | Gay and Hancock, 1912
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