Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE LEAVES OF THE TREE HIDE THE SUN, by DAVID IGNATOW


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LEAVES OF THE TREE HIDE THE SUN, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
Last Line: A leaf in season
Subject(s): Leaves


If he knew how scared I was of him,
he would not let my subdued voice
rule him. It is low out of consciousness
of my power, he thinks. We both are awed
but for different causes, and so the status quo
for which both of us are grateful.

If I detect his scorn
of my inferior physical condition,
which he could overcome in a moment,
I also may detect his bafflement
at the consequences he cannot imagine
without terror. He feels powers
beyond him that could crush him.
If I do not possess these powers,
I walk in their reflection.





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