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ReadingWillow structured literacy program for Australian students
Poetry Library

— Stephen Crane

I stood upon a high place,

And saw, below, many devils

Running, leaping,

And carousing in sin.

…

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Engaged in or ready for action; characterized by energetic work, thought, or speech.

“The students were very active in class discussions, asking many thoughtful questions.”

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XVI. PROPHETS WHO CANNOT SING.

32 lines
Coventry Patmore·1823–1896
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onder, ye just, the scoffs that frequent goFrom forth the foe:'The holders of the Truth in VerityAre people of a harsh and stammering tongue!The hedge-flower hath its song;Meadow and tree,Water and wandering cloudFind Seers who see,And, with convincing music clear and loud,Startle the adder-deafness of the crowdBy tones, O Love, from thee.Views of the unveil'd heavens alone forth bringProphets who cannot sing,Praise that in chiming numbers will not run;At least, from David until Dante, none,And none since him.Fish, and not swim?They think they somehow should, and so they try;But (haply 'tis they screw the pitch too high)'Tis still their fatesTo warble tunes that nails might draw from slates.Poor Seraphim!They mean to spoil our sleep, and do, but all their gainsAre curses for their pains!'Now who but knowsThat truth to learn from foesIs wisdom ripe?Therefore no longer let us stretch our throatsTill hoarse as frogsWith straining after notesWhich but to touch would burst an organ-pipe.Far better be dumb dogs.
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