SAVAGE limbs of that black beast, the forest, Quiver cruelly in the darkness; Beneath the black belly of the pines, The earth is afraid. The claws of the monster of a thousand limbs Pierce the flinching moss, And grate on the white flint bones of the earth, Striking fire. Flames frozen in white pebbles Shiver under the darkness. These limbs are planted firmly, Nailed to the flint with claws; It is safe to be lost in the blind night Among the claws that cannot strike. But the rustling of his fur is dreadful As he breathes above. Somewhere the eyes of the forest glare at the stars. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TEN YEARS OLD by LOUIS UNTERMEYER THE GREAT FIGURE by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS DOST THOU ASK? by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS THE GATES OF PARADISE; FOR CHILDREN by WILLIAM BLAKE VILLAGE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN CUPID IN AMBUSH by HARRY RANDOLPH BLYTHE |