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1876–1944

XVII

Helen Hay Whitney

First came the tempest, and the world was torn Upon its mighty passion — all the deep Trembled before it. From the haggard steep To the sweet valley with its brooding corn,

Its foaming lips in expletives of scorn Lashed into life the world's eternal sleep; Then, caught with madness, in gigantic leap Expired upon the heights where it was born.

And then a hush — the dripping, tender rain Falls in warm tears. The thunder could not wake The grief that silence in her soul has furled. Soft sighs the wind, the sea is gray with pain —

The fulness of a heart too tense to break — And deep, unuttered sadness in the world.

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XVII · Helen Hay Whitney · Poetry Cove