Peace

Looking back in the archives of this blog, I've learned that in summer I like to read (and post) poems about peace - the exquisite langour of quiet idyllic days, or a vivid moment of summer stillness. Past years' examples have included 'Silent Noon', 'Adlestrop', 'Audley Court', 'The Castle Ruins', 'The Busy Heart', and 'Had I the power that have the will'. And this is 'Peace' by Alfred Noyes.


Give me the pulse of the tide again
And the slow lapse of the leaves,
The rustling gold of a field of grain
And a bird in the nested eaves;

And a fishing-smack in the old harbour
Where all was happy and young;
And an echo or two of the songs I knew
When songs could still be sung.

For I would empty my heart of all
This world's implacable roar,
And I would turn to my home, and fall
Asleep in my home once more;

And I would forget what the cities say,
And the folly of all the wise,
And turn to my own true folk this day,
And the love in their constant eyes.

There is peace, peace, where the sea-birds wheel,
And peace in the breaking wave;
And I have a broken heart to heal,
And a broken soul to save.