Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE MADMAN, by ANONYMOUS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE MADMAN, by                    
First Line: His eye was stern and wild - his cheek was pale and cold as clay
Last Line: "and ere I could arrest his hands, he had -- begun to shave!"
Subject(s): Insanity;shaving; Madness;mental Illness


HIS eye was stern and wild -- his cheek was pale and cold as clay;
Upon his tightened lip a smile of fearful meaning lay.
He mused awhile -- but not in doubt -- no trace of doubt was there;
It was the steady solemn pause of resolute despair.
Once more he looked upon the scroll -- once more its words he read --
Then calmly, with unflinching hand, its folds before him spread.
I saw him bare his throat, and seize the blue-cold gleaming steel,
And grimly try the tempered edge he was so soon to feel!
A sickness crept upon my heart, and dizzy swam my head --
I could not stir -- I could not cry -- I felt benumbed and dead;
Black icy horrors struck me dumb, and froze my senses o'er;
I closed my eyes in utter fear, and strove to think no more.

. . . . . . . . .

Again I looked: a fearful change across his face had passed --
He seemed to rave -- on cheek and lip a flaky foam was cast;
He raised on high the glittering blade -- then first I found a tongue --
"Hold, madman! stay thy frantic deed!" I cried, and forth I sprung;
He heard me, but he heeded not; one glance around he gave,
And ere I could arrest his hands, he had -- begun to shave!





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