I HAD an evil day when I To Strathpeffer drew anigh, For there I found no human soul, But ogres occupied the whole. They had at first a human air In coats and flannel underwear. They rose and walked upon their feet And filled their bellies full of meat, Then wiped their lips when they had done -- But they were ogres every one. Each issuing from his secret bower I marked them in the morning hour. By limp and totter, lisp and droop I singled each one from the group. Detected ogres, from my sight Depart to your congenial night From these fair vales: from this fair day Fleet, spectres, on your downward way, Like changing figures in a dream To Muttonhole and Pittenweem! Or, as by harmony divine The devils quartered in the swine, If any baser place exist In God's great registration list -- Some den with wallow and a trough -- Find it, ye ogres, and be off! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CANDLE by KATHERINE MANSFIELD BERTHA IN THE LANE by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS by JOHN HENRY NEWMAN COMPOSED AT NEIDPATH CASTLE, 1803 by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH THE SONG OF THE DIAL by PETER AIREY |