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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FACADE: 21. THE OWL by EDITH SITWELL

Poet Analysis

First Line: THE CURRANTS, MOONLIT AS MOTHER BUNCH
Last Line: AS POOR MRS. BUNCH ARRANGED HER BUSTLE.
Subject(s): BIRDS; OWLS;

THE currants, moonlit as Mother Bunch,
In their thick-bustled leaves were laughing like Punch;
And, ruched as their country waterfalls
The cherried maids walk beneath the dark walls.
Where the moonlight was falling thick as curd
Through the cherry-branches, half-unheard,
Said old Mrs. Bunch, the crop-eared owl,
To her gossip: "If once I began to howl,
I am sure that my sobs would drown the seas --
With my 'oh's,' and my 'ah's,' and my 'oh dear me's!'
Everything wrong from cradle to grave --
No money to spend, no money to save!"
And the currant-bush began to rustle
As poor Mrs. Bunch arranged her bustle.



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