Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET FROM JAPAN: 2. THE SHRINE OF THE PILGRIM SANDALS, by ADELAIDE NICHOLS BAKER



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SONNET FROM JAPAN: 2. THE SHRINE OF THE PILGRIM SANDALS, by                    
First Line: In the green gloom of cryptomaria trees
Last Line: Hurry away on silent feet of fear?
Subject(s): Japan; Shrines; Japanese


In the green gloom of cryptomaria trees,
The little shrine stands lonely and forlorn,
Above a flight of mossy steps, more worn
By Time than by the feet of votaries.
And there among their mouldering mysteries
Forsaken gods, of all their splendors shorn,
Stare through the dimness in despairing scorn
With pilgrim sandals piled about their knees.
Beneath those bitter eyes, I chill with dread.
Where are they now whose sandals strew this place?
Were they consumed as sacrifices here?
Or did they, when their breathless prayers were said
Before the glaring god's relentless face,
Hurry away on silent feet of fear?





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