The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1883-06-17
Klss aad lslias Peetry.

A few months ago It became our duty to
speak with plainness concerning the immod-
esty OF certain female poets. There recently
appeared at the West a school OF young women
who havo chosen verse as the medium for the
Misrepresentation Of their own character In
real life they arc probably good girls; In print
they sing the songs OF half-tipsy wantons. They
would do Of modification II any ono should
hear from their lirs the sentiments which they
boldly and unblushngly proclaim to tho world
through the newspapers. In noticing the de-
velOpmont and tendency OF this sort Of litera-
ture. we gave exam pies which were all selected
from the columns OF respectable periodicals.
We RETAINED from publishing tho names Of the
authors; aud II Is a curious fact that although
tho passages selected Tor the purpose OF illus
tration were by no means tho most immodest
that We could find. they were nevertheless SO
very immodest that somo OF our readers and
friends could not believe them to be genuine.
1t seemed incredible that young women should
write such stun. Letters came to The Sun
asking II the quotations were not manufao-
tured for the occasion: II the alleged existence
OF the Milwaukee school of Swinburnian poetry
was not a Jest or hoax. But the extracts were
all genuine. The evil Is real and serious. We
Of questionable taste.
Of Milwaukee. has published a collection of her
verses entitled Poems of Passion. She either
has had bad advice or has refused to listen to
good advice. Tho latter would seem to be- the
case; for in an apologize she intimutes that she
Is an Eagle. soaring too near the skies. in a
way that is quite improper" while u caucus OF
cnwing crows hooting owls. marsh hens. and
other commonplace birds vainly endcavors to
discourage her from lofty flights. And she adds:
Thus rise forever the chosen Of God,
Over the du.' world sailing.
Aud back, like spiintirs blnwn by the winds
Must fall the miss,lcs of ally minds,
Useless and unavaiiing.
Miss Ella Wheeler would have done better to
listen to the advice OF u caucus OF matter-of
fact mothers. sisters. and grandmothers. She
is neither crowned with genius nor shod with
power. She is n young woman with talent and
Imagination. capable OF writing verse that
might command respect. but apparently charm
cd out OF healthy common sense by the influ-
ence OF the Milwaukee school and by admira-
ton for the fleshly poets. We pay her COM
pliment when we say that her poems Of passion
are exceedingly mechanical. md that her i'm
modesty is forced and unnatural.
Imagine young woman OF responsibility and
intelligence ringing tho changes on single
overworked rhyme In this fashion,
Aud in the comvuishe rapture OF u kiss
Thus does love speak.
Oh then IA the time when most miss you,
And l swear by the stars and my soul and saw
That will have you. aud hold you and kiss you,
Though the whole world stands in the way.
low has II been since drank that last kiss
That was bitter with lees of the wasted wine;
When the tstterei remains OF u thrradbarc b!ias.
And the WORKOUT shrrds Of JOY divine,
Into the ragbag OF III. rnstt
Have you thought the better OF that last kiss
Better than sweets Of u later bssf
There 10 nothing my sOui lacks or misses
ARI clasp the dream shape breast;
In the passion aud pain OF her kisses
Life blooms to her richest and best.
In the Joy Of your shy. sweet kisses,
Your pulnnK touch and your nnKud sigh.
Than ever were claimed FOR souls on high
She was made out OF laughter and sweet kisses;
Her soul spilled with its wealth OF blissea
For Just one kiss that your lips have given
In the lost and beautiful past to me,
would z ably barter my hopes OF Heaven
And all the bliss OF Eternity.
Like gall the wine slipped from the sacred chnice
Shall taste TO who knew my red mouths hliee;
When Youth and beauty dwelt in love's own palace,
And life flowed on In one eternal kiss.
Fie!-and fauGh!