Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


PANIC AT SUNRISE by ELMER GUSTAFSON

First Line: LET ME AVOID THESE PASTURES OF DESPAIR
Last Line: STRIP ME TO SHIVER AT THE FACE OF GOD.

Let me avoid these pastures of despair
Where grasses lurk, and sun-rays stab my heart.
I have left stalwart footprints in the way,
Have met my fellows eye to eye; and now
Shall clover abash me? Daisies start my tears?
I have hitherto stood upright. Must I kneel
And pay obeisance to a violet?
I cannot stay while larks on easy wing
Weave mockery with notes of lyric scorn.
Let me escape while I may still retain
My cloak that clad me bravely yesterday,
Lest sun and wind and flower and pitiless bird
Strip me to shiver at the face of God.



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