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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
AMBUSHED, by BURGES JOHNSON Poet's Biography
First Line: Peace and safety seem to dwell
Last Line: You'll be spanked and sent to bed.
Subject(s): Children; Imagination; Childhood; Fancy
First Line: Peace and safety seem to dwell
Last Line: You'll be spanked and sent to bed.
Subject(s): Children; Imagination; Childhood; Fancy
Peace and safety seem to dwell
Where my garden grows;
I've no moat nor citadel
Where I find repose.
Yet I dread the sudden yell
Of some lurking eager foes!
Silence bids me feel secure,
As I wander out.
Weeds and worms and bugs obscure
Are the foes I rout.
Yet a premonition sure
Warns that redskins are about!
Hark! a hoot-owl—'t is the cry
Indians used of yore.
Stealthy footfalls, creeping nigh,
Thrill me to the core.
Late! Too late! They've scurried by,
Gaining first my open door.
Savage redskins, bent on loot,
Start with gingerbread;
Victors now beyond dispute,
They will scalp me dead.
Indians, if you really shoot,
You'll be spanked and sent to bed.
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Other Poems of Interest...
THE IMAGINED COPPERHEAD by ANDREW HUDGINS
A SICK CHILD by RANDALL JARRELL
IMAGINARY TROUBLE by JOHN KENDRICK BANGS
EVERYTHING THAT ACTS IS ACTUAL by DENISE LEVERTOV
ON THE MEETING OF GARCIA LORCA AND HART CRANE by PHILIP LEVINE
A BABY AT THE PARTY by BURGES JOHNSON