Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE GRAVEYARD RABBIT by FRANK LEBBY STANTON

First Line: IN THE WHITE MOONLIGHT, WHERE THE WILLOW WAVES
Last Line: (MAY GOD DEFEND US!) TO SHIELD FROM HARM.
IN the white moonlight, where the willow waves,
He halfway gallops among the graves --
A tiny ghost in the gloom and gleam,
Content to dwell where the dead men dream,

But wary still!
For they plot him ill;
For the graveyard rabbit hath a charm
(May God defend us!) to shield from harm.
Over the shimmering slabs he goes --
Every grave in the dark he knows;
But his nest is hidden from human eye
Where headstones broken on old graves lie.

Wary still!
For they plot him ill;
For the graveyard rabbit, though sceptics scoff,
Charmeth the witch and the wizard off!

The black man creeps, when the night is dim,
Fearful, still, on the track of him;
Or fleetly follows the way he runs,
For he heals the hurts of the conjured ones.

Wary still!
For they plot him ill;
The soul 's bewitched that would find release, --
To the graveyard rabbit go for peace!

He holds their secret -- he brings a boon
Where winds moan wild in the dark o' the moon;
And gold shall glitter and love smile sweet
To whoever shall sever his furry feet!

Wary still!
For they plot him ill;
For the graveyard rabbit hath a charm
(May God defend us!) to shield from harm.



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