Classic and Contemporary Poetry
RAIN AFTER A VAUDEVILLE SHOW, by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: The last pose flickered, failed. The screen's dead Last Line: I stamped the ground in the strong joy of life! Subject(s): Vaudeville | ||||||||
The last pose flickered, failed. The screen's dead white Glared in a sudden flooding of harsh light Stabbing the eyes; and as I stumbled out The curtain rose. A fat girl with a pout And legs like hams, began to sing "His Mother". Gusts of bad air rose in a choking smother; Smoke, the wet steam of clothes, the stench of plush, Powder, cheap perfume, mingled in a rush. I stepped into the lobby -- and stood still Struck dumb by sudden beauty, body and will. Cleanness and rapture -- excellence made plain -- The storming, thrashing arrows of the rain! Pouring and dripping on the roofs and rods, Smelling of woods and hills and fresh-turned sods, Black on the sidewalks, gray in the far sky, Crashing on thirsty panes, on gutters dry, Hurrying the crowd to shelter, making fair The streets, the houses, and the heat-soaked air, -- Merciful, holy, charging, sweeping, flashing, It smote the soul with a most iron clashing!. . . Like dragons' eyes the street-lamps suddenly gleamed, Yellow and round and dim-low globes of flame. And, scarce-perceived, the clouds' tall banners streamed. Out of the petty wars, the daily shame, Beauty strove suddenly, and rose, and flowered. . . . I gripped my coat and plunged where awnings lowered. Made one with hissing blackness, caught, embraced, By splendor and by striving and swift haste -- Spring coming in with thunderings and strife -- I stamped the ground in the strong joy of life! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FINDING VAUDEVILLE by ERIC P. ELSHTAIN VAUDEVILLE by LINCOLN KIRSTEIN A MINOR POET by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET ARCHIMEDES LAST FORAY by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET CAMPUS SONNET: BEFORE AN EXAMINATION by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET CAMPUS SONNET: MAY MORNING by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET CAMPUS SONNET: RETURN - 1917 by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET CAMPUS SONNET: TALK by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET CAROL: NEW STYLE by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET COLORS by STEPHEN VINCENT BENET |
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