Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN A TIME OF WAR: 4. AFTER THE ARMISTICE (NOVEMBER 1918), by THOMAS STURGE MOORE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN A TIME OF WAR: 4. AFTER THE ARMISTICE (NOVEMBER 1918), by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Psyche has fouled both hands in blood and clay
Last Line: Then turned to cleaner work, shall she rejoice.
Alternate Author Name(s): Moore, T. Sturge
Subject(s): World War I; First World War


PSYCHE has fouled both hands in blood and clay.
Now, before speaking, let her wash and rest:
A task so much against the grain oppressed
Her life like poison; yet she, day by day,
Toiled, lips and ears shut, and content they say
Their pleasure who yet never gave their best.
'Tis done: let her gaze travel down the west
As the light fades! O give her silence way!

Thus may she fill the future with a voice
True as the fabled harp that Orpheus tuned,
That built a city, or made hearts so light
Men with huge boulders wrought as Titans might.
So, having first with awe and hope communed,
Then turned to cleaner work, shall she rejoice.





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