Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


YOUNG BULL by JAMES HARRISON

Poet Analysis

First Line: THIS BRONZE RING PUNCTURES
Last Line: AGAINST THE SLATS WANTING TO MURDER ME.
Subject(s): ANGER; BULLS; PITY; STRENGTH;

This bronze ring punctures
the flesh of your nose,
the wound is fresh
and you nuzzle the itch
against a fence post.
Your testicles are fat and heavy
and sway when you shake off flies;
the chickens scratch about your feet
but you do not notice them.

Through lunch I pitied
you from the kitchen window --
the heat, pained fluid of August --
but when I came with cold water
and feed, you bellowed and heaved
against the slats wanting to murder me.



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