Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE QUIET ENEMY, by WALTER JOHN DE LA MARE



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THE QUIET ENEMY, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Hearken! - now the hermit bee
Last Line: Hold ajar the wicket gate.
Alternate Author Name(s): Ramal, Walter; De La Mare, Walter


Hearken! -- now the hermit bee
Drones a quiet threnody;
Greening on the stagnant pool
The criss-cross light slants silken-cool;
In the venomed yew tree wings
Preen and flit. The linnet sings.

Gradually the brave sun
Droops to a day's journey done;
In the marshy flats abide
Mists to muffle midnight-tide.
Puffed within the belfry tower
Hungry owls drowse out their hour. . . .

Walk in beauty. Vaunt thy rose.
Flaunt thy transient loveliness.
Pace for pace with thee there goes
A shape that hath not come to bless.
I thine enemy?. . . Nay, nay.
I can only watch and wait
Patient treacherous time away,
Hold ajar the wicket gate.





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