Themes and Variations/The Voice from Above

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THE VOICE FROM ABOVE.

Imprisoned in this ‘darksome house of day,’
 We blindly feel along our prison walls,
Seeking same sign that this swift-passing day
 May yet expand to everlasting halls.

Then, if from unseen heights of blue above,
 Descends the ringing warble of a bird,
Telling of life and sunshine, happy love,—
 Oh with what rapture is that music heard!

It brings no witness to our narrow roof,
 No angel smites the iron-guarded portal;
Itself the sign from heaven, itself the proof,
 The hostage and the bond of life immortal.

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