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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


HIDDEN by RACHEL ANNAND TAYLOR

First Line: THREE NUNS AT OWLET-CALL
Last Line: DIE BY THE VIRGIN'S KNEES.
Subject(s): CONVENTS; DEATH; MOURNING; NUNS; DEAD, THE; BEREAVEMENT;

THREE nuns at owlet-call
Tell o'er their rosaries:
But dreams they drop where prayers must fall.
And so, not theirs the Peace!

Calm leagues of silver sand
Beside the convent lie:
The great grey waters builded stand
Against a great grey sky.

Beyond the bastioned sea,
Amid a prick of spears,
Through almond groves ride wearily
Three golden cavaliers.

Ever the life uncrowned!
Never the seal of fire!
Nor marriage-music surging round
The Heart and her Desire!

O red wild-roses, be
Mourners awhile for these!
Hidden roses, white and three,
Die by the Virgin's knees.



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