Classic and Contemporary Poetry

DORMANT HOUR, by BYRON CHEW
First Line: For a little while I am content to let time rule me
Last Line: Defies my strength.

For a little while I am content to let time rule me.
The crying of summer has ceased
and the days in slow procession,
go like tired monks up the steps
to the monastery.

Rest is good, and the quiet hours refresh me;
but even now the barren fields cry out
and mock my useless meditations
while the waiting harrow
defies my strength.