Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, REMINISCENCE, by JOHN COWPER POWYS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

REMINISCENCE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Beneath the crumbling cliff we ate or meal
Last Line: "when destiny cried ""wait!"
Subject(s): April; Fate; Heaven; Love; Memory; Destiny; Paradise


Beneath the crumbling cliff we ate our meal.
The grass was dry with sun.
Vague breaths of April stirred. We did not feel
How nearly all was done.

All done, all over, finished with, closed up --
A grave, securely sealed!
The dome of heaven, deep-hollowed like a cup,
Nothing of this revealed.

O you that long ago, that long ago
I loved, what forms are they
Gliding so dumb where the blue corn-flowers grow
And the horned poppies sway?

Why hang their empty hands? Why droop their heads?
Why on their necks sits fate?
So look the lovers who did make their beds
When destiny cried "Wait!"





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