Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE OLD SONG by JOHN COWPER POWYS

First Line: LET THE DEAD GO WED THE DEAD
Last Line: GOD HAVE MERCY ON ALL LOVERS!
Subject(s): DAISIES; DEATH; FLOWERS; GOD; LOVE; SINGING & SINGERS; YOUTH; DEAD, THE;
Let the dead go wed the dead.
Let the shroud go weave the shroud.
Twixt the daisies white and red,
Kneel upon holier ground.

Pansies are sweeter, are sweeter than rue;
Cowslips are rarer, are rarer than willow;
Kiss the boy who kneels with you.
Make the cuckoo-flowers your pillow.

Death comes soon, and youth has wings;
Snatch the chance the time uncovers;
Spring alone the crocus brings;
God have mercy on all lovers!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net