Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE CONFEDERATE, by WHITELAW SAUNDERS


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE CONFEDERATE, by                    
First Line: Death called, but frightened, he had turned away
Last Line: Or that the bloom was death's confederate.
Subject(s): Death; Fear; Flowers; Dead, The


Death called, but frightened, he had turned away
To where the dogwood's drifting snow piled high;
Its beauty pleading: "Give him no reply.
Death's blossoms are all withered and are gray."
He could not leave the orchard's rose and white,
The lilacs in their purple plumes arrayed,
To take death's cold embrace. He was afraid
And turned to watch a cardinal's crimson flight.

Beyond the lane his vision caught a flower
Of witchery, and through the stile he went
On his adventure. On his quest intent,
Forgot the panic that had stained the hour . . . .
He did not know that Death had swung the gate,
Or that the bloom was death's confederate.





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