The Bell

Ralph Waldo Emerson

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I love thy music, mellow bell,
I love thine iron chime,
To life or death, to heaven or hell,
Which calls the sons of Time.

Thy voice upon the deep
The home-bound sea-boy hails,
It charms his cares to sleep,
It cheers him as he sails.

To house of God and heavenly joys
Thy summons called our sires,
And good men thought thy sacred voice
Disarmed the thunder's fires.

And soon thy music, sad death-bell,
Shall lift its notes once more,
And mix my requiem with the wind
That sweeps my native shore.

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Comments3
  • moralistfestus

    LOVED READING THIS POEM BY RALPH WALDO EMERSON. THOSE LINES "TO LIFE OR DEATH, TO HEAVEN OR HELL" REALLY HIT ME. DOES THE BELL SYMBOLIZE FATE OR DESTINY?

    • leticiabullock1

      Jst read a Ralph Waldo Emerson's poem, Hitman! that bell sounds got me thinking about life in a way. Him a gr8 poet, real deep stuff.

      • bertierowallan2

        Brought back fond childhood memories.