Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BLASPHEMY, by JOHN COWPER POWYS



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BLASPHEMY, by             Poem Explanation         Poet's Biography
First Line: O fairy form, o flower-like face
Last Line: The dead, the dead must be.
Subject(s): Death; Dreams; Earth; Hearts; Love; Sea; Dead, The; Nightmares; World; Ocean


O Fairy form, O flower-like face,
O piteous tender breast,
Why did you come with your childish grace
And trouble my heart's rest?

The tide, my darling, is bitter and deep
That washes that cruel shore.
The happy lovers are those that sleep
And love not any more.

Calm filmy dreams thro' each tired head
Flow softly, mingle and flow.
The happy lovers are those that are dead,
That died full long ago.

O child, forgive me; I lie, I lie
With an evil blasphemy!
I lie to the clouds in the air above!
I lie to the earth and the sea!

The living, the living must worship love!
The dead, the dead must be.





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