Classic Poem

How should I sing?
The poet's voice should silvery be and clear,
Fitted to wing afar or hover near;
To sing the stars, their harmonies of sound,
And then to drop, and throb, and pulse around
The story of some tiny, crawling thing.
How should I sing?

How should I sing?
The poet's eye undimmed and strong should scan
The awful secrets of the soul of man;
See all the glory and the wretchedness,
The deathless soul, the clinging, earthly dress;
Pierce through the cloak men o'er their beings fling.
How should I sing?

How should I sing?
The poet's ear should catch shrill passion's cry;
Should hear the sound of death-bed ministry,
The song of triumph, conscience' still, small voice,
Grieving's low moan, and joy's tumultuous noise;
A chorus sweet and awful in its ring.
How should I sing?

How should I sing?
The poet's soul should bear the race's pain,
Its every joyful heart-beat give again;
Thrilling respond to each vibrating chord,
To soft low moods and moods that clash discord;
Feel every pulse; then rise on tireless wing.
How should I sing?