Classic and Contemporary Poetry
BALLAD FOR GLOOM, by EZRA POUND Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: For god, our god, is a gallant foe Last Line: Whom god deigns not to overthrow hath need of triple mail | ||||||||
For God, our God, is a gallant foe That playeth behind the veil. I have loved my God as a child at heart That seeketh deep bosoms for rest, I have loved my God as maid to man But lo, this thing is best: To love your God as a gallant foe that plays behind the veil, To meet your God as the night winds meet beyond Arcturus' pale. I have played with God for a woman, I have staked with my God for truth, I have lost to my God as a man, clear eyed, His dice be not of ruth. For I am made as a naked blade But hear ye this thing in sooth: Who loseth to God as man to man Shall win at the turn of the game. I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet But the ending is the same: Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose Shall win at the end of the game. For God, our God, is a gallant foe that playeth behind the veil, Whom God deigns not to overthrow Hath need of triple mail. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ABU SALAMMAMM - A SONG OF EMPIRE by EZRA POUND HOMAGE TO SEXTUS PROPERTIUS: 10 by EZRA POUND HOMAGE TO SEXTUS PROPERTIUS: 11 by EZRA POUND |
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