Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


RED STAINS by JOHN ORLEY ALLEN TATE

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN A PYLONED DESERT WHERE THE SCORPION REIGNS
Last Line: HER CALM STEEL EYES, HER EARTH-OLD THROAT OF HONEY!

In a pyloned desert where the scorpion reigns
My love and I plucked poppies breathing tales
Of crimes now long asleep, whose once-red stains
Dyed stabbing men, at sea with bloody sails.
The golden sand drowsed. There a dog yelped loud;
And in his cry rattled a hollow note
Of deep uncanny knowledge of that crowd
That loved and bled in winy times remote.
The poppies fainted when the moon came wide;
The cur lay still. Our passionate review
Of red wise folly dreamed on ... She by my side
Stared at the Moon; and then I knew he knew.
And he smiled at @3her@1; to him 'twas funny -
Her calm steel eyes, her earth-old throat of honey!



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