Predecessors

________________________________________________
Title:     Predecessors
Author: Rachel Annand Taylor [More Titles by Taylor]

Faëry of Sheba, idol moulded in
Onyx milk-white, moon-mailed and casqued with gems;
Ye gold-swathed queens of Egypt, Isis' kin,
With bright god-hawks and snakes for diadems;
Serene masque-music of Greek girls that bear
The sacred Veil to that Athenian feast;
Hypatia, casting from thine ivory chair
The gods' last challenge to the godless priest;
Fantastic fine Provençals wistfully
Hearkening Love, the mournful lute player;
Diamond ladies of that Italy
When Art and Wisdom Passion's angels were--
Ye give this grail (touch with no mad misprision!)
Of Beauty's rose-red miracled tradition.

[The end]
Rachel Annand Taylor's poem: Predecessors

________________________________________________



GO TO TOP OF SCREEN