POETRY BREAK #15: "THE VOICE OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI" by Vachel Lindsay, 1920

Albie's Note: Here's another from one of my all-time favorite poets, Vachel Lindsay  (November 10, 1879 – December 5, 1931) first published in his book THE GOLDEN WHALES OF CALIFORNIA AND OTHER RHYMES IN THE AMERICAN LANGUAGE back in 1920.  I like this little simple poem because it is both realistic and dreamily visionary all at once... kind of like its author.

And... I still think Peace is a great thing to pray for. 

THE VOICE 

OF ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI

By VACHEL LINDSAY

I saw St. Francis by a stream
Washing his wounds that bled.
The aspens quivered overhead.
The silver doves flew round.

Weeping and sore dismayed
"Peace, peace," St. Francis prayed.

But the soft doves quickly fled.
Carrion crows flew round.
An earthquake rocked the ground.

"War, war," the west wind said.

 

PEACE