Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE BLACK RIDERS: 53, by STEPHEN CRANE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE BLACK RIDERS: 53, by                 Poet Analysis    
First Line: Blustering god, / stamping across the sky
Last Line: Than see tears in those eyes of my soul.


I

Blustering god,
Stamping across the sky
With loud swagger,
I fear you not.
No, though from Your highest heaven
You plunge your spear at my heart,
I fear you not.
No, not if the blow
Is as the lightning blasting a tree,
I fear you not, puffing braggart.

II
If thou canst see into my heart
That I fear thee not,
Thou wilt see why I fear thee not,
And why it is right.
So threaten not, thou, with thy bloody spears,
Else thy sublime ears shall hear curses.

III

Withal, there is one whom I fear:
I fear to see grief upon that face.
Perchance, friend, He is not your god;
If so, spit upon him.
By it you will do no profanity.
But I --
Ah, sooner would I die
Than see tears in those eyes of my soul.







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