Poems (Cromwell)/The Gates of Utterance

by Gladys Cromwell

THE GATES OF UTTERANCE

There is a throng within the gates,
 A pressing, diverse throng;—
Without, a peaceful throng awaits,
 To which I would belong.

Within the gates the varied folk
 Advise discordantly;—
.Without, the poet-crowds convoke
 To council harmony.

Within the gates are all the heights
 And depths of serried powers;
But when a lyric theme invites,
 I reach outlying bowers

Where dwell the bards of quiet years;
 I join my song to theirs;
My glad, unfettered spirit hears
 The melody it shares.