Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DAVID by MARY CAROLYN DAVIES

First Line: DAVID WAS A SHEPHERD LAD, BEAUTIFUL AS YOU
Last Line: SHE WHO HEARD THE SONGS FIRST, WAS HER PRIDE LIKE MINE?
Subject(s): DAVID (D. 962 B.C.);

David was a shepherd lad, beautiful as you,
Sang within a shadowed tent to sooth a king's unrest.
Oh, the bashful years in which he made the songs and hoarded them,
By the other shepherd lads all unguessed.

David's song is in a book, for stupid folk to bow before,
Folk who think it wisdom, which is only lovely song.
You are kin to him, you see beauty in a little moon,
In branches bent to lash you with each faint gray thong.

David, when he found his songs -- did he use to practice them
For a little shepherd maid who marveled at each line?
When he left his humble task, and drew the king from weariness --
She who heard the songs first, was her pride like mine?



Home: PoetryExplorer.net