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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


BUCOLIC COMEDY: TWO KITCHEN SONGS: 2 by EDITH SITWELL

Poet Analysis

First Line: GREY AS A GUINEA-FOWL IS THE RAIN
Last Line: "OF THE OLD WITCH WHO SITS ON THE RAIL!"

GREY as a guinea-fowl is the rain
Squawking down from the boughs again.
"Anne, Anne,
Go fill the pail,"
Said the old witch who sat on the rail.
"Though there is a hole in the bucket,
Anne, Anne,
It will fill my pocket;
The water-drops when they cross my doors
Will turn to guineas and gold moidores. . . ."
The well-water hops across the floors;
Whimpering, "Anne" it cries, implores,
And the guinea-fowl-plumaged rain,
Squawking down from the boughs again,
Cried, "Anne, Anne, go fill the bucket,
There is a hole in the witch's pocket --
And the water-drops like gold moidores,
Obedient girl, will surely be yours.
So, Anne, Anne,
Go fill the pail
Of the old witch who sits on the rail!"



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