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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


WORLD-MILLER by FRANCES BARBER

First Line: LAY ME FLAT ON A DRAWING-SLEDGE
Last Line: MORE CRUEL HIS WHEEL'S DIVESTING!

Lay me flat on a drawing-sledge,
Wearied enough for such dragging!
I need not be fastened by rod or wedge
More than bale-filled bagging.

More than a meal-sack you throw across
Your wagon after the milling;
Just as clumsy a weight to toss
And the bundle compact from spilling,

Save that the grain leaves a trail of dust
Which yellows your sleeve and your fingers;
But, however you handle, wherever you thrust,
No spark of my being lingers.

Both from the miller's and freed from grist --
A bag and a body resting --
But the world was a stricter exorcist,
More cruel his wheel's divesting!



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