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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THESE DEATHY LEAVES by JOHN ORLEY ALLEN TATE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THOUGH THE GREY YEAR SCATTER THESE DEATHY LEAVES
Last Line: WITH A QUICK SCULPTURE OF A FRESH GRACE.
Subject(s): LEAVES; WINTER;

Though the grey year scatter these deadly leaves,
Black and blood-red, upon the withered grass,
And the frail swallow fly South and weary bees
Hush their dull music, I think not all shall pass.

I think that in the swift white mind's brain
Neurons flash images of a world
Undead and deathless, burgeoning again.
I think that Spring will come this way, unfurled.

I shall not ask what answer will be given
To proud questionings, raised when men are lonely
In cold house, nor shall I now be shriven:
The Spring I seek is in a new face only.

A shrunken leaf settles: comes a face
With a quick sculpture of a fresh grace.



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