Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ON A LEGAL STAIRCASE by CHARLES WILLIAM BRODRIBB

First Line: IN CERTAIN LIGHTS OLD DOOMSDAY'S NAME
Last Line: THAT SPRING MUST SOON BEGIN.
Subject(s): SPRING;

In certain lights old Doomsday's name,
Who practised on this floor,
Though now forgotten in his fame
Comes out upon the door.

To me as I ascend the stair
The letters ghostly-faint
His former tenancy declare
Through several coats of paint.

I cannot spot them every day,
In winter not at all,
But patient wait until a ray
Strikes back from yonder wall.

Then when I see the light revive
This ancient of the Inn,
I know full well, if he's alive,
That Spring must soon begin.



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