
By LOUIS UNTERMEYER
NEW YORK THE CENTURY CO. 1914
Copyright, 1914, by THE CENTURY CO. Published, April, 1914
I. SUMMONS - SUMMONS PRAYER TO ARMS ON THE BIRTH OF A CHILD HOW MUCH OF GODHOOD THE GREAT CAROUSAL THANKS GOD'S YOUTH IN THE BERKSHIRE HILLS VOICES REVELATION AFFIRMATION DOWNHILL ON A BICYCLE MIDNIGHT—BY THE OPEN WINDOW THE WINE OF NIGHT
II. INTERLUDES - INVOCATION "FEUERZAUBER" SUNDAY NIGHT AT KENNEBUNKPORT IN A STRANGE CITY FOLK-SONG IN THE STREETS ENVY A BIRTHDAY LEAVING THE HARBOR THE SHELL TO THE PEARL THE YOUNG MYSTIC HEALED THE STIRRUP-CUP SPRING ON BROADWAY IN A CAB SUMMER NIGHT—BROADWAY HAUNTED ISADORA DUNCAN DANCING SONGS AND THE POET THE HERETIC I. BLASPHEMY II. IRONY III. MOCKERY IV. HUMILITY FIFTH AVENUE—SPRING AFTERNOON TRIBUTE
III. SONGS OF PROTEST - CHALLENGE CALIBAN IN THE COAL-MINES ANY CITY LANDSCAPES TWO FUNERALS SUNDAY STRIKERS IN THE SUBWAY BATTLE-CRIES A VOICE FROM THE SWEAT-SHOPS SOLDIERS PEACE THE DYING DECADENT FUNERAL HYMN PROTESTS
SUMMONS - To Walter Lippmann
SUMMONS
PRAYER
TO ARMS!
A sweeping lyrical journey opens with a midnight summons that bursts through the weariness of ordinary life. The poet summons the restless spirit of youth, letting wind‑kissed honeysuckles, humming thrushes and stubborn ants become symbols of a deeper, ever‑present fight. Each line reverberates with the thrill of fresh courage, weaving together images of stars, soaring birds and the quiet strength of roots pushing toward the sun.
The collection then moves into a series of interludes and protest songs that echo in city streets, coal mines and bustling subways. While the verses celebrate the vitality of nature, they also turn a critical eye toward social injustice, labor struggles and the yearning for change. The poems balance exuberant affirmation with poignant doubt, inviting listeners to feel both the surge of optimism and the sober weight of the world’s gritty realities. This vibrant tapestry of voice and vision offers a spirited companion for anyone seeking poetry that both uplifts and challenges.
Language
en
Duration
~1 hours (67K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Al Haines
Release date
Sep 26, 2010
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1885–1977
Best known for bringing poetry to generations of readers, this lively American writer helped make verse feel welcoming rather than remote. Alongside his own poems and essays, he edited hugely influential anthologies that shaped how modern poetry was taught and enjoyed.
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