English Poetry. Vachel Lindsay. Mae Marsh, Motion Picture Actress. Вэчел Линдсей.

Vachel Lindsay (Вэчел Линдсей)

Mae Marsh, Motion Picture Actress

I

The arts are old, old as the stones
From which man carved the sphinx austere.
Deep are the days the old arts bring:
Ten thousand years of yesteryear.

II

She is madonna in an art
As wild and young as her sweet eyes:
A frail dew flower from this hot lamp
That is today's divine surprise.

Despite raw lights and gloating mobs
She is not seared: a picture still:
Rare silk the fine director's hand
May weave for magic if he will.

When ancient films have crumbled like
Papyrus rolls of Egypt's day,
Let the dust speak: "Her pride was high,
All but the artist hid away:

"Kin to the myriad artist clan
Since time began, whose work is dear."
The deep new ages come with her,
Tomorrow's years of yesteryear.

Vachel Lindsay’s other poems:

1. The Potatoes’ Dance
2. Our Mother Pocahontas
3. I Heard Immanuel Singing
4. When Gassy Thompson Struck It Rich
5. The Tree of Laughing Bells

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