Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


STYGIAN VILLANELLE by BERNICE SWANSON

First Line: CHARON, CEASE YOUR CONSTANT ROWING
Last Line: ON THESE WATERS DARKLY FLOWING.
Subject(s): DEATH; LIFE; DEAD, THE;

Charon, cease your constant rowing
Still your oars at my behest,
On these waters darkly flowing.

Death is like a damp wind blowing
Cold and icy in my breast.
Charon, cease your constant rowing.

Here I wandered, scarcely knowing
I must cross as all the rest
On these waters darkly flowing.

Was it Life that I was throwing
Wastefully about in jest?
Charon, cease your constant rowing.

Courage, Soul, would you be showing
Cowardice in this last test
On these waters darkly flowing?

Light is fading, Life is going,
What awaits me in this quest?
Charon, cease your constant rowing
On these waters darkly flowing.



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