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1868–1950

SOMETHING BEYOND THE HILL

Edgar Lee Masters

To a western breeze A row of golden tulips is nodding. They flutter their golden wings In a sudden ecstasy and say:

Something comes to us from beyond, Out of the sky, beyond the hill We give it to you. And I walk through rows of jonquils

To a beloved door, Which you open. And you stand with the priceless gold of your tulip head Nodding to me, and saying:

Something comes to me Out of the mystery of Eternal Beauty — I give it to you. There is the morning wonder of hyacinth in your eyes,

And the freshness of June iris in your hands, And the rapture of gardenias in your bosom. But your voice is the voice of the robin Singing at dawn amid new leaves.

It is like sun-light on blue water Where the south-wind is on the water And the buds of the flags are green. It is like the wild bird of the sedges

With fluttering wings on a wind-blown reed Showering lyrics over the sun-light Between rhythmical pauses When his heart has stopped,

Making light and water Into song. Let me hear your voice, And the voice of Eternal Beauty

Through the music of your voice. Let me gather the iris of your hands. Against my face. And close my eyes with your eyes.

Let me listen with you For the Voice.

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SOMETHING BEYOND THE HILL · Edgar Lee Masters · Poetry Cove