Edwin Arlington Robinson — Ballade of Broken Flutes

In dreams I crossed a barren land,        &nbsp A land of ruin, far away; Around me hung on every hand        &nbsp A deathful stillness of decay;        &nbsp And silent, as in bleak dismay That song should thus forsaken be,        &nbsp On that forgotten ground there lay The broken flutes of Arcady. The forest that was all so grand        &nbsp When pipes and tabors had their sway Stood leafless now, a ghostly band        &nbsp Of skeletons in cold array.        &nbsp A lonely surge of ancient spray Told of an unforgetful sea,        &nbsp But iron blows had hushed for aye The broken flutes of Arcady. No more by summer breezes fanned,        &nbsp The place was desolate and gray; But still my dream was to command        &nbsp New life into that shrunken clay.        &nbsp I tried it. Yes, you scan to-day, With uncommiserating glee,        &nbsp The songs of one who strove to play The broken flutes of Arcady.        &nbsp       &nbsp       &nbsp ENVOY So, Rock, I join the common fray,        &nbsp To fight where Mammon may decree; And leave, to crumble as they may,        &nbsp The broken flutes of Arcady.