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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ALARM CLOCKS by ALFRED JOYCE KILMER

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHEN DAWN STRIDES OUT TO WAKE A DEWY FARM
Last Line: IN MANY A HIGH AND DREARY SLEEPING PLACE.
Subject(s): CLOCKS; DAWN; TIME; SUNRISE;

When Dawn strides out to wake a dewy farm
Across green fields and yellow hills of hay
The little twittering birds laugh in his way
And poise triumphant on his shining arm.
He bears a sword of flame but not to harm
The wakened life that feels his quickening sway
And barnyard voiceske a wounded thing
That limps to cover from the angry chase,
He steals down streets where sickly arc-lights sing,
And wanly mock his young and shameful face;
And tiny gongs with cruel fervor ring
In many a high and dreary sleeping place.






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