Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


RIDDLES OF MERLIN by ALFRED NOYES

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS I WAS WALKING / ALONE BY THE SEA
Last Line: "SUNRISE FOR WEST."
Subject(s): DREAMS; RIDDLES; SEA; SUN; NIGHTMARES; OCEAN;

AS I was walking
Alone by the sea,
"@3What is that whisper?@1"
Said Merlin to me.
"Only," I answered,
"The sigh of the wave" --
"@3Oh, no@1," replied Merlin,
"@3'Tis the grass on your grave@1."

As I lay dreaming
In churchyard ground
"@3Listen@1," said Merlin,
"@3What is that sound?@1"
"The green grass is growing,"
I answered; but he
Chuckled, "@3Oh, no!
'Tis the sound of the sea.@1"

As I went homeward
At dusk by the shore,
"@3What is that crimson?@1"
Said Merlin once more.
"Only the sun," I said.
"Sinking to rest" --
"@3Sunset for East@1," he said,
"@3Sunrise for West@1."



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