[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Surely God was a Lover Surely God was a lover when He bade the day begin Soft as a woman’s eyelid — white … [Read more...] about Surely God was a Lover [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Heart of Spring (John Shaw Neilson 1919)
The Hour is Lost [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] The Hour is Lost The hour is lost. Was ever hour so sweet? Fruitful of blessing, friends and honeyed words … [Read more...] about The Hour is Lost [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
The Heart Longs [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919) and Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923).] The Heart Longs The warm wind wandering at its will, The long grass withering day by day, Bring back life’s sunrise promises — Full-voiced and … [Read more...] about The Heart Longs [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Her Eyes [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Her Eyes Dark eyes are hers; but in their darkness lies All the white holiness of Paradise: A tender … [Read more...] about Her Eyes [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
As Far as My Heart Can Go [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] As Far as My Heart Can Go I care not now for the gardens or the gayest flowers that grow: The little flower … [Read more...] about As Far as My Heart Can Go [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
’Twas in the Early Summer Time [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] ’Twas in the Early Summer Time Perchance it was of Chaucer’s day — Old Chaucer! — cheerier soul than … [Read more...] about ’Twas in the Early Summer Time [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
The Girl with the Black Hair [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] The Girl with the Black Hair Her lips were a red peril To set men quivering, And in her feet there lived … [Read more...] about The Girl with the Black Hair [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
The Lover Sings [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] The Lover Sings It is not dark; it is not day; The earth lies quivering to the dew: Shall we not love her? … [Read more...] about The Lover Sings [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Love’s Coming [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Love’s Coming Quietly as rosebuds Talk to the thin air, Love came so lightly I knew not he was … [Read more...] about Love’s Coming [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Old Violin [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Old Violin Speak not to me, old violin! Mock not this heart of mine! Thou mummy with the glistening … [Read more...] about Old Violin [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Meeting of Sighs [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Meeting of Sighs Your voice was the rugged old voice that I knew; I gave the best grip of my greeting to … [Read more...] about Meeting of Sighs [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
The Eyes of Little Charlotte [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] The Eyes of Little Charlotte Now God has made a wistful world And a woman strangely coy: Her eyes say … [Read more...] about The Eyes of Little Charlotte [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Sheedy was Dying [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934). However, there were some significant differences in the latter version.] Sheedy was Dying Grey as a rising … [Read more...] about Sheedy was Dying [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
“The Day is Thine” [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919) and Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923).] “The Day is Thine” ’Twas in that far-off land of mine, Dear land I never more may see: The grey church like a ghost stood up: The old sun-dial spoke to … [Read more...] about “The Day is Thine” [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Little Dead Milliner [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919).] Little Dead Milliner So she is gone from us, — She whom we knew, Of the face beautiful And the eyes blue. When the Earth only gives Heart-ache and toil, The purest will perish, The … [Read more...] about Little Dead Milliner [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Break of Day [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Break of Day The stars are pale. Old is the Night, his case is grievous, His strength doth … [Read more...] about Break of Day [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Maggie Tulliver [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Maggie Tulliver I see the old-time mill, the old-time miller, The peaceful river in a pleasant land; And … [Read more...] about Maggie Tulliver [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
May [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] May Shyly the silver-hatted mushrooms make Soft entrance through, And undelivered lovers, half … [Read more...] about May [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Old Granny Sullivan [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934). An earlier version includes an additional stanza.] Old Granny Sullivan A pleasant shady place it is, a … [Read more...] about Old Granny Sullivan [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Lowan’s Nest [also known as “At a Lowan’s Nest”; poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919) and Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923). It was also published in Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934) under the title of “At a Lowan’s Nest”.] Lowan’s Nest Here, in the rubble and the … [Read more...] about Lowan’s Nest [also known as “At a Lowan’s Nest”; poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Julie Callaway [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Julie Callaway This world, I always call it mine, Because no other world I know: Love it or hate it, how … [Read more...] about Julie Callaway [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Bush Scene [also known as “Along a River”; poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919). It was also published in Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923) and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934) under the title of “Along a River”.] Bush Scene Green leaves — a patch of world along … [Read more...] about Bush Scene [also known as “Along a River”; poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Old Nell Dickerson [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Old Nell Dickerson The young folk heard the old folk say ’twas long ago she came; Some said it was her … [Read more...] about Old Nell Dickerson [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
To a Blue Flower [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] To a Blue Flower I would be dismal with all the fine pearls of the crown of a king; But I can talk plainly … [Read more...] about To a Blue Flower [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
Pale Neighbour [poem by John Shaw Neilson]
[Editor: This poem by John Shaw Neilson was published in Heart of Spring (1919), Ballad and Lyrical Poems (1923), and Collected Poems of John Shaw Neilson (1934).] Pale Neighbour Over the road she lives not far, My neighbour pale and thin: “Sweet is the world!” she … [Read more...] about Pale Neighbour [poem by John Shaw Neilson]