Poems (Thaxter)/Schubert

by Celia Thaxter

SCHUBERT.

At the open window I lean,
  Flowers in the garden without
  Faint in the heat and the drought;
What does the music mean?

For here, from the cold keys within,
  Is a tempest of melody drawn;
  Doubts, passionate questions, the dawn
Of high hope, and a triumph to win;

While out in the garden, blood-red
  The poppy droops, faint in the heat
  Of the noon, and the sea-wind so sweet
Caresses its delicate head.

And still the strong music goes on
  With its storming of beautiful heights,
  With its sorrow that heaven requites,
And the victory fought for is won!

High with thy gift didst thou reach,
  Schubert, whose genius superb
  Nothing could check or could curb:
Thou liftest the heart with thy speech!