The Useless Ones

Poets should not reason: Let them sing! Argument is treason -- Bells should ring. Statements none, nor questions; Gnomic words. Spirit-cries, suggestions, Like the birds. He may use deduction Who must preach; He may praise instruction Who must teach; But the poet duly Fills his part When the song bursts truly From his heart. For no purpose springing; For no pelf: He must do the singing For itself. Not in lines austerely Let him build; Not the surface merely Let him gild. Fearless, uninvited, Like a spring. Opal-words, inlighted, Let him sing. As the leaf grows sunward Song must grow; As the stream flows onward Song must flow. Useless? Ay, -- for measure; Roses die, But their breath gives pleasure -- God knows why!