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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


GHAZALS: 24 by JAMES HARRISON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THIS AMBER LIGHT FLOATING STRANGELY UPWARD IN THE WOODS - NEARLY
Last Line: OUT WITH A DIRTY BILL OF HEALTH AND SCREAMING FOR NEW WINE.

This amber light floating strangely upward in the woods -- nearly
dark now with a warlock hooting through the tips of trees.

If I were to be murdered here as an Enemy of the State you would
have to bury me under that woodpile for want of a shovel.

She was near the window and beyond her breasts I could see
the burdock, nettles, goldenrod in a field beyond the orchard.

We'll have to abandon this place and live out of the car again.
You'll nurse the baby while we're stuck in the snow out of gas.

The ice had entered the wood. It was twenty below and the beech
easy to split. I lived in a lean-to covered with deerskins.

I have been emptied of poison and returned home dried
out with a dirty bill of health and screaming for new wine.



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