I think some saint of Eirinn wandering far Found you and brought you here -- Demoiselles! For so I greet you in this alien air! And like those maidens who were only known In their own land as daughters of the King, Children of Charlemagne -- You have, by following that pilgrim-saint, Become high vot'resses -- You have made your palace -- beauty dedicate, And your pomp serviceable: You stand beside our folds! I think you came from some old Roman land -- Most alien, but most Catholic you are: Your purple is the purple that enfolds, In Passion Week, the Shrine, Your scarlet is the scarlet of the wounds: You bring before our walls, before our doors, Lamps of the Sanctuary; And in this stony place The time the robin sings, Through your bells rings the Angelus! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...CONTRA MORTEM: THE WOMAN by HAYDEN CARRUTH THE EXISTING POOL by HAYDEN CARRUTH ABOVE HALF MOON by JAMES GALVIN A BIRTHDAY SONG by SIDNEY LANIER CLAY BISON IN A CAVE by CLARENCE MAJOR HYBRIDS OF WAR: A MORALITY POEM: 3. THAILALND by KAREN SWENSON |