Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CITY by WILLIAM BRIAN HOOKER

First Line: THERE IS A CROWN UPON HER BROW THAT SEEMS
Last Line: DANCING IN ALL HER JEWELS BEFORE THE KING.
Subject(s): CITIES; URBAN LIFE;

There is a crown upon her brow that seems
To every one his own. Also her womb
Is heavy with to-morrow, and the doom
Of high desires, fond hopes, and hidden schemes.
Friend that destroys or angel that redeems
Or man that struggles -- there is none to whom
She can deny her glory and her gloom,
Her iron labors and her golden dreams.

Now in her robe of light, she smiles upon
The world with such a promise as proclaims
The Maid of Seven Stars unbosoming
God's mercy to the needful . . . and anon,
Salome, daughter of a thousand shames,
Dancing in all her jewels before the king.



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