Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MERRY POLICEMAN, by JAMES STEPHENS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MERRY POLICEMAN, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: I was appointed guardian by
Last Line: A job in hell to keep me hot!
Subject(s): Police


I was appointed guardian by
The Power that frowns along the sky,
To watch the Tree, and see that none
Plucked of the fruit that grew thereon.

There was a robber in the Tree,
Who climbed as high as ever he
Was able! At the top he knew
The Apple of all Apples grew.

The night was dark! The branch was thin!
In every wind he heard the din
Of angels calling -- Guardian, see
That no one climbs upon the Tree --

But when he saw me standing there
He shook with terror and despair,
Then I said to him -- Be at rest,
The best to him who wants the best --

So I was sacked! But I have got
A job in hell to keep me hot!





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