HAVE the scales that dimm'd thy vision Fallen, Michael? Canst thou see How they're stealing in derision All the choicest food from thee? In return, divine enjoyment Promise they in realms above, Where the angels' sole employment Is to cook us fleshless love. Michael, hath thy faith grown weaker, Or thy appetite more strong? Thou dost grasp life's sparkling beaker, And thou sing'st a hero-song. Fear not, Michael! take thy pleasure While on earth, and eat what's good; When thou'rt dead, thou'lt have full leisure To digest in peace thy food. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TRANSFORMATION by CARL SANDBURG THE FRIEND OF HUMANITY AND THE KNIFE-GRINDER by GEORGE CANNING SIX O'CLOCK by TRUMBULL STICKNEY MERLIN AND THE GLEAM by ALFRED TENNYSON AH, HAD I SEEN THEE SOONER! by JOHANNA AMBROSIUS THE SINGERS OF DELLA ROBBIA by ALFRED BARRETT CONCLUDING VERSES, AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM AN AUTUMNAL MORNING WALK by BERNARD BARTON |