Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SAINT FRANCIS IN WINTER, by RUTH KNOWLES



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SAINT FRANCIS IN WINTER, by                    
First Line: It is a sorry slight to leave out there
Last Line: If so he yet can speak, he knows not death.
Subject(s): Ice; Snow; Stones; Winter; Granite; Rocks


It is a sorry slight to leave out there
A stone Saint Francis now when birds have gone
With snow upon his head, and in his hands
A ball of it -- though he would never throw
Snowballs at anyone, not even when
A hunter's feathered arrow or a gun
Works deadly harm to pheasant or to wren.
His Christmas sword of ice is buckled on.

Assisi's frostiest day but made his breath
A flight of incense, rise to meet the sun.
He taught his brother pigeons Latin prayer.
Perhaps it is not vain that there he stands,
A stone made gentler than the gentle snow;
If so he yet can speak, he knows not death.





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