Silences
Arthur O'Shaughnessy
1844 to 1881
Track 1
Reconstruct the poem by dragging each line into its correct position. Your goal is to reassemble the original poem as accurately as possible. As you move the lines, you'll see whether your arrangement is correct, helping you explore the poem's flow and meaning. You can also print out the jumbled poem to cut up and reassemble in the classroom. Either way, take your time, enjoy the process, and discover how the poet's words come together to create something truly beautiful.
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And God it seemed a little nearer came,
I raised my eyes to heaven; my prayer went high
Then passed; and greater still the silence grew,
Sick with unanswered life I turned to death,
For all reply.
For all reply.
I look at you 'tis still my soul you see.
I stood beside a grave. Years had passed by;
Some turned away, some came and took my hand,
In the first sorrow my heart could not withstand;
As though an answer in their hearts they had;
I saw men pause, and listen, and look sad,
All would have answered had you answered then
Oh, in your heart was there no word for me?
My thought of God was purer than a flame
With even a sigh.
And watched the flowers desolately wave,
And grass stir on it with a fitful breath,
I spoke to you with all my soul, and when
But you! If I can speak before I die,
And whispered all my question to the grave,
'Tis a world of silences. I gave a cry
Into the luminous mystery of the blue;
For all reply.