Henry Van Dyke

Here you will find thePoemTwo Schoolsof poet Henry Van Dyke

Two Schools

I put my heart to school In the world, where men grow wise, "Go out," I said, "and learn the rule; Come back when you win a prize." My heart came back again: "Now where is the prize?" I cried. ---- "The rule was false, and the prize was pain, And the teacher's name was Pride." I put my heart to school In the woods, where veeries sing, And brooks run cool and clear; In the fields, where wild flowers spring, And the blue of heaven bends near. "Go out," I said: "you are half a fool, But perhaps they can teach you here." "And why do you stay so long, My heart, and where do you roam?" The answer came with a laugh and a song, --- "I find this school is home."