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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO MARK ANTHONY IN HEAVEN by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THIS QUIET MORNING LIGHT
Last Line: LISTENING IN HEAVEN.
Subject(s): ANTONY, MARC (83-30 B.C.); HEAVEN; MARCUS ANTONIUS; ANTHONY, MARK; PARADISE;

This quiet morning light
reflected, how many times
from grass and trees and clouds
enters my north room
touching the walls with
grass and clouds and trees.
Anthony,
trees and grass and clouds.
Why did you follow
that beloved body
with your ships at Actium?
I hope it was because
you knew her inch by inch
from slanting feet upward
to the roots of her hair
and down again and that
you saw her
above the battle's fury --
clouds and trees and grass --

For then you are
listening in heaven.



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