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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LOVE AND PAIN: TWO SONNETS: 1 by WILLIAM BRIAN HOOKER

First Line: I DREAMED. AND LO, UPON A SHADOWY MOUND
Last Line: WERE SHADOW-GRAVEN ON THE FACE OF PAIN.

I dreamed. And lo, upon a shadowy mound
Love stood alone beneath a juniper,
And all the light of heaven brake from her,
Golden, and shook about her like a sound.
Then, drawing nearer, by her side I found
A sister-shape that ever might not stir
From Love's left hand. Death-white her features were;
Her lips were straight and scarlet, like a wound.

I have seen a tree, against the Western light
Nebulous with golden glory: and again,
Graven against the gloaming, ebony-plain.
Even so all delicate wonders, overbright
Upon the face of Love for mortal sight,
Were shadow-graven on the face of Pain.



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