Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE DAUGHTER OF HERODIAS, by RACHEL ANNAND TAYLOR



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE DAUGHTER OF HERODIAS, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: The daughter of herodias, / she danced before the king
Last Line: In that abysmal sleep!
Subject(s): Dancing & Dancers; Hearts; Love; Sleep


THE Daughter of Herodias,
She danced before the king:
That rain of ecstasy she was
Whose silver and fantastic feet
Flash down the ways of Spring.

The Daughter of Herodias,
Magician loveliest!
What music clave unto her,—as
A star within her love-locks sweet,
A heart upon her breast!

The Daughter of Herodias,
Like waves before the moon,
Like ringing rimes a dreamer has
Lured to a lay of lover-folk,
Swayed softly to the tune.

The Daughter of Herodias,
She danced in gold and red
Upon the floors of chrysophras:—
The light of flaming cities broke
Behind her sumptuous head.

The Daughter of Herodias,
Resplendent, unappalled,
Wove such a spell, it came to pass
She drew the soul down sounding seas
Of pearl and emerald.

O Daughter of Herodias,
What horror of the deep,
What slime of impure things!—Alas!
What loathing loathed captivities
In that abysmal sleep!





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