The Traveller-heart

(To a Man who maintained that the Mausoleum is the Stateliest Possible Manner of Interment)



    I would be one with the dark, dark earth: -
    Follow the plough with a yokel tread.
    I would be part of the Indian corn,
    Walking the rows with the plumes o'erhead.

    I would be one with the lavish earth,
    Eating the bee-stung apples red:
    Walking where lambs walk on the hills;
    By oak-grove paths to the pools be led.

    I would be one with the dark-bright night
    When sparkling skies and the lightning wed -
    Walking on with the vicious wind
    By roads whence even the dogs have fled.

    I would be one with the sacred earth
    On to the end, till I sleep with the dead.
    Terror shall put no spears through me.
    Peace shall jewel my shroud instead.

    I shall be one with all pit-black things
    Finding their lowering threat unsaid:
    Stars for my pillow there in the gloom, -
    Oak-roots arching about my head!

    Stars, like daisies, shall rise through the earth,
    Acorns fall round my breast that bled.
    Children shall weave there a flowery chain,
    Squirrels on acorn-hearts be fed: -

    Fruit of the traveller-heart of me,
    Fruit of my harvest-songs long sped:
    Sweet with the life of my sunburned days
    When the sheaves were ripe, and the apples red.

Vachel Lindsay

Vachel Lindsay was an American poet known for his innovative performances of his poetry, which combined spoken word with music and theatrics. Born in Springfield, Illinois, Lindsay's work often revolved around American history and culture, reflecting his progressive social views. He played a significant role in the early 20th-century American poetry scene, influencing contemporaries and later poets with his dynamic style and passionate delivery.

Vachel Lindsay

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English

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I

Now that the farewell tear is dried,
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Between extremities
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II

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