Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AT THE TOP OF THE ROAD, by CHARLES BUXTON GOING


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AT THE TOP OF THE ROAD, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: But, lord,' she said, 'my shoulders still are strong -- '
Last Line: "lord of the land, but men have named me death."
Subject(s): Death; Life; Dead, The


"BUT, lord," she said, "my shoulders still are strong —
I have been used to bear the load so long;

"And see, the hill is passed, and smooth the road."
"Yet," said the Stranger, "yield me now thy load."

Gently he took it from her, and she stood
Straight-limbed and lithe, in new-found maidenhood

Amid long, sunlit fields; around them sprang
A tender breeze, and birds and rivers sang.

"My lord," she said, "the land is very fair!"
Smiling, he answered: "Was it not so there?"

"There?" In her voice a wondering question lay;
"Was I not always here, then, as to-day?"

He turned to her, with strange, deep eyes aflame,
"Knowest thou not this kingdom, nor my name?"

"Nay," she replied, "but this I understand —
That thou art Lord of life in this dear land!"

"Yes, child," he murmured, scarce above his breath:
"Lord of the Land, but men have named me Death."





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