Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A GHOST SPEAKS ON THE STYX by JOHN DRINKWATER

Poet Analysis

First Line: I COULD NOT THINK THAT TIME WAS OLD
Last Line: YOU FERRYMAN, ARE ONE.
Subject(s): CHARON; LOVE; STYX (RIVER);
I COULD not think that Time was old,
So freshly did he wear
His colours as the years were told,
When I was walking there.

He knew no sad mortality
Of promise or regret,
Forever in virginity
Of joy Time's times were set.

Now on your river from the shades,
Boatman, a rumour comes
Of one whose garland never fades,
For all his martyrdoms.

They call him Love; they chant his rhyme
Even in Acheron;
They call him Love -- but he and Time,
You ferryman, are one.



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