Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE PENSIVE PRISONER, by JAMES ELROY FLECKER


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE PENSIVE PRISONER, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: My thoughts came drifting down the prison where I lay
Last Line: Will you not brood in god's star-tree and leave red heart tormentless!


My thoughts came drifting down the Prison where I lay --
Through the Windows of their Wings the stars were shining --
The wings bore me away -- the russet Wings and grey
With feathers like the moon-bleached Flowers -- I was a God reclining:
Beneath me lay my Body's Chain and all the Dragons born of Pain
As I burned through the Prison Roof to walk on Pavement Shining.

The Wild Wind of Liberty swept through my Hair and sang beyond:
I heard the Souls of men asleep chattering in the Eaves
And rode on topmost Boughs of Heaven's single-moon-fruited Silver Wand,
Night's unifying Tree whereof the central Stars be leaves --
O Thoughts, Thoughts, Thoughts, -- Fire-angel-birds relent less --
Will you not brood in God's Star-tree and leave Red Heart tormentless!





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