Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MOTLEY: THE GHOST, by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE


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MOTLEY: THE GHOST, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Who knocks?' 'I, who was beautiful
Last Line: The sweet cheat gone.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ramal, Walter; De La Mare, Walter
Subject(s): Ghosts; Grief; Love; Supernatural; Sorrow; Sadness


'Who knocks?' 'I, who was beautiful,
Beyond all dreams to restore,
I, from the roots of the dark thorn am hither.
And knock on the door.'

'Who speaks?' 'I -- once was my speech
Sweet as the bird's on the air,
When echo lurks by the waters to heed;
'Tis I speak thee fair.'

'Dark is the hour!' 'Ay, and cold.'
'Lone is my house.' 'Ah, but mine?'
'Sight, touch, lips, eyes yearned in vain.'
'Long dead these to thine. . .'

Silence. Still faint on the porch
Brake the flames of the stars.
In gloom groped a hope-wearied hand
Over keys, bolts, and bars.

A face peered. All the grey night
In chaos of vacancy shone;
Nought but vast sorrow was there --
The sweet cheat gone.





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