Country Sentiment by Robert Ranke Graves
page 22 of 64 (34%)
page 22 of 64 (34%)
|
Here for his courtship of Heaven's high stars he shall smart,
Nebuchadnezzar shall fall, crawl, be subdued. Hot sun struck through the vapour, leaf strewn mould Breathed sweet decay: old Earth called for her child. Mist drew off from his mind, Sun scattered gold, Warmth came and earthy motives fresh and wild. Down on his knees he sinks, the stiff-necked King, Stoops and kneels and grovels, chin to the mud. Out from his changed heart flutter on startled wing The fancy birds of his Pride, Honour, Kinglihood. He crawls, he grunts, he is beast-like, frogs and snails His diet, and grass, and water with hand for cup. He herds with brutes that have hooves and horns and tails, He roars in his anger, he scratches, he looks not up. GIVE US RAIN. "Give us Rain, Rain," said the bean and the pea, "Not so much Sun, Not so much Sun." But the Sun smiles bravely and encouragingly, And no rain falls and no waters run. "Give us Peace, Peace," said the peoples oppressed, "Not so many Flags, Not so many Flags." |
|