THROUGHOUT his life men seldom spoke with him; They stood aloof. But he could overhear Their laughter hooting far away and near, With scornful intonations. It could dim Things lovely and beloved. Upon the rim Of his most hallowed griefs it could appear To mock with mirth and with unheeding cheer. He was afraid of laughter. Ah, how prim, How foolish, it could make his prayers! He durst Not improvise a loving God. In cloak Of tenderness could laughter lash his soul: Until at last, with savage glee, it broke From his own trammelled breast. He felt it roll And surge to his own lips and quench his thirst. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...HOLY POEMS: 2 by GEORGE BARKER EPIGRAM by DECIMUS MAGNUS AUSONIUS LINES TO A FITFUL LOVER by MIRIAM BARRANGER HINC LACHRIMAE; OR THE AUTHOR TO AURORA: 40 by WILLIAM BOSWORTH GOLDFISH ON THE WRITING DESK by MAX BROD |