Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


REAPERS by JEAN TOOMER

Poet Analysis

First Line: BLACK REAPERS WITH THE SOUND OF STEEL ON STONES
Last Line: blood-stained, continue cutting weeds and shade
Subject(s): HARVEST; MOWING & MOWERS; RATS; SEASONS; LAWN MOWERS;

Black reapers with the sound of steel on stones
Are sharpening scythes. I see them place the hones
In their hip-pockets as a thing that's done,
And start their silent swinging, one by one.
Black horses drive a mower through the weeds,
And there, a field rat, startled, squealing bleeds.
His belly close to ground. I see the blade,
Blood-stained, continue cutting weeds and shade.



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