Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HOUSE AGAINST THE DARK, by IRIS LORA THORPE



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HOUSE AGAINST THE DARK, by                    
First Line: The early darkness closes in, slow-deeping, chill
Last Line: Can hold the menacing black phantoms of the dark at bay!


The early darkness closes in, slow-deepening, chill,
Dimming the bright fields and the clear green fires behind the hills.

We are surrendered to the night. A house is but a shell,
Against the forces of the dark a fragile citadel...

Wood is not strong enough to hold the crushing solitude
Of the deep hours, through these thin walls we sense the austere mood

Of earth and heaven, groping out time-haunted for the key
To the ancient language of the wind, solemn with prophecy...

Only the fluttering breath of flame have we to vanquish night,
And shadows beat their atrous wings against that timid light,

Only the knowledge of the dawn, the memory of day,
Can hold the menacing black phantoms of the dark at bay!





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