Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, IN AN AUCTION ROOM, by CHRISTOPHER DARLINGTON MORLEY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

IN AN AUCTION ROOM, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: How about this lot? Said the auctioneer
Last Line: Sold for eight hundred dollars -- doctor r.!
Alternate Author Name(s): Hall, Galway
Subject(s): Auctions; Brawne, Fanny; Keats, John (1795-1821); Letters; Poetry & Poets; Rosenbach, Abraham Simon (1876-1952)


(Letter of John Keats to Fanny Brawne, Anderson Galleries, March 15, 1920.)

To Dr. A. S. W. Rosenbach.

HOW about this lot? said the auctioneer;
One hundred, may I say, just for a start?
Between the plum-red curtains, drawn apart,
A written sheet was held.... And strange to hear
(Dealer, would I were steadfast as thou art)
The cold quick bids. (Against you in the rear!)
The crimson salon, in a glow more clear
Burned bloodlike purple as the poet's heart.

Song that outgrew the singer! Bitter Love
That broke the proud hot heart it held in thrall;
Poor script, where still those tragic passions move --
Eight hundred bid: fair warning: the last call:
The soul of Adonais, like a star....
Sold for eight hundred dollars -- Doctor R.!





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net