Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE SHOWMEN, by CHARLES MARIE RENE LECONTE DE LISLE



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE SHOWMEN, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: Like to a dismal brute, dust-smothered, teased
Last Line: Nor leer for lovers like a shameless whore.
Subject(s): Love; Prostitution; Harlots; Whores; Brothels


LIKE to a dismal brute, dust-smothered, teased,
That tugs its chain and bays the blistering sky,
Trail thy torn heart who will in the foul sty
That so the lewd, flesh-ravening mob be pleased;
Let Love's own veil of glorious light be seized
And torn from shuddering limbs divinely shy,
That so the fire rekindle its dull eye,
Its mirth and boorish pity be appeased!
Though proud and silent graveward I go hence,
I'd rather plunge to endless darkness down
Than sell my heart-throbs for the rabble's roar;
I would not give my body like a clown
To tumble on its paltry board for pence,
Nor leer for lovers like a shameless whore.





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