Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ANCIENT ELF by JAMES STEPHENS

First Line: I AM THE MAKER
Last Line: LOOK THE OPPOSITE WAY!

I am the maker,
The builder, the breaker,
The eagle-winged helper,
The speedy forsaker!

The lance and the lyre,
The water, the fire,
The tooth of oppression,
The lip of desire!

The snare and the wing,
The honey, the sting!
When you seek for me -- look
For a different thing!

I, careless and gay,
Never mean what I say,
For my thoughts and my eyes
Look the opposite way!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net