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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


COINS OF MIST by ALFRED FRANCIS KREYMBORG

First Line: WHO'S THE LITTLE OLD MAN SELLING MATCHES?
Last Line: WHERE'S THE LIGHT IN THE SKY -- AND WHO WATCHES?
Subject(s): FLOWERS; LONDON; NUMISMATICS; THAMES (RIVER); COINS, COMMEMORATIVE; MEDALS, HISTORICAL;

Who's the little old man selling matches?
And the sounds on the boxes -- who scratches?

And the peering pale woman -- her flowers? --
Does she tint them and scent them for lovers?

Do the scarecrows go lighting the lamps to
Cause shadows to shudder, as tramps do?

That slow girl -- her dress like a posie? --
If there's any to pick it now -- who's he?

Those coins made of bubbles of mist -- oh,
Whose were they, and the troubles that kissed so?

Where's London Bridge falling again to? --
Have the tears of the Thames dug a lane? -- Who

Belongs to the throat of the tune there?
And the only face visible's blown -- where?

Where's the little old man selling matches?
Where's the light in the sky -- and who watches?



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