Classic and Contemporary Poetry
PHEASANT IN PROFILE, by GORDON LECLAIRE First Line: Jewelled head erect, he brushed aside the fern Last Line: Until limp feathers formed a jewelled shroud. Subject(s): Pheasants | ||||||||
Jewelled head erect, he brushed aside the fern, Breaking the strands of crystal filigree Spiders had webbed; flanks grazed at every turn By frond and leaf, in vivid majesty He paused to drink the dawn's cool vial of fire, Light splashing on his burnished wings and breast, A feathered monarch flaunting garnet crest, So near, I saw the pulsing of his heart Quiver the beryl breast-plumes he would preen. Then suddenly some instinct made him start As if he sensed Death lurked behind the screen Of brake. Like flame from cannon jaws he ran, A streak of drooling color through the furze, Gemmed pinions spreading out a spangled fan To cleave the blue like fiery Lucifers That limned their brilliant signet on the sky. A shotgun thundered. Torn wings swooped to earth. The taut flight ended as an emerald thigh Spurted with ruby stain that smeared its girth. Pained eyes were softened as they watched it spread, Eyes awed and large with wisdom; but still proud, He challenged even Death with upraised head Until limp feathers formed a jewelled shroud. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THANKS FOR A GIFT OF PHEASANTS by WILLIAM COWPER FOR A GOLDEN PHEASANT by GENE BOARDMAN HOOVER THE COCK PHEASANT by ROBERTA ROBERTSON HUNTING PHEASANTS IN A CORNFIELD by ROBERT BLY CLOSING DISTANCES by PAUL MARTIN |
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