Classic Poem

( FOR TEN YEARS AMERICAN MINISTER TO DENMARK )

What music is more sweet than is the praise
Of one we loved! Then life's last door —
That door we feared would open nevermore —
Yields to Remembrance, and fond looks and ways
Brolong, beyond the measurement of days,
Some single tone or gesture from the store
That was the comrade whom we hearken for.
So one recalls a symphony from a phrase.

Here, among Denmark's gay and gracious folk
I find thy gay and gracious self, again
Making sweet music in the hearts of men:
King, tradesman, servitor — ah yes, and she
Ristori of the North, The very stroke
Of yonder tower seems regret for thee.