One time I thought that sunset's flaming air Could forge in me the steel to batter through The hardy walls of men; that they, as you, Would quake at onslaughts from a poet's lair. We then lived roses; I had fooled despair And boxed him up and flogged his retinue, Made strong by cheeks and lips! I sucked in dew, And dragged the world, a weakling, by the hair. This hour is roseless; ruddiness is snuffed; Wan lilies, smutted in a dragon's breath, Are limp; and iron lizards track the earth To crunch men's bones, and dledgy clouds are buffed. I suck in smoke! I smile at grimy mirth, And laugh to think that @3you@1 had parried death. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...LYING IN THE GRASS by EDMUND WILLIAM GOSSE CEREMONIES FOR CHRISTMAS (1) by ROBERT HERRICK THE CHARGE OF THE HEAVY BRIGADE AT BALACLAVA: THE CHARGE by ALFRED TENNYSON TO THE RIGHT HON! WILLIAM EARL OF DARTMOUTH by PHILLIS WHEATLEY ODES: BOOK 1: ODE 6. HYMN TO CHEERFULNESS by MARK AKENSIDE |