Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


GODIVA MOON by JOSEPH TWADELL SHIPLEY

First Line: HE FASHIONED IN THE HEAT OF AUGUST NOON
Last Line: UNTO HER BED OF AMETHYST AND GOLD.
Subject(s): GODIVA, LADY (1140-1180); MOON; NIGHT; BEDTIME;

He fashioned in the heat of August noon.
He wrought the tenderness of springtide eves
Into the art that equably receives
A summer or a sorrow as its boon.
He looked across the rippled lake: a loon
Dove suddenly, in the swift flight that leaves
No trace, rose far, and in a voice that grieves
Forever, called its mate. The early moon,
A round white wraith, stole furtive through the skies
Like fair Godiva, whom the relentless sun
Brightened in beauty no man might behold.
He watched the glimmer of the burnished thighs
Of day, that over the western hills had run
Unto her bed of amethyst and gold.



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