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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ALLEGORY by ANTHONY STEELE

First Line: BROKEN ARE THE TABLETS
Last Line: OF GREAT LORD DAY.

BROKEN are the tablets
And broken is the pen;
Christ is in the wilderness,
He will not come again.

Moon across the court-yard
Rises bright,
Lichen on the paving-stones,
Cold blue night.

There where the king sat
Stares the empty throne,
Howls a far dog drearily ...
Still and white and lone

Waits the naked courtyard.
Slowly dreams arise,
People the courtyard
With watching eyes.

Till the shadows lengthen,
And in silver shoon
Slips to earth reluctantly
The huntress moon.

The White stone saddens
And grey shadows fall,
Like monstrous spiders' webs,
From wall to wall.

But a dim shouting
Thuds far away,
Heralds the progress
Of great Lord Day.



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