Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

SHADWELL STAIR by WILFRED OWEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: I AM THE GHOST OF SHADWELL STAIR
Last Line: I WISH ANOTHER GHOST AM LAIN.
Subject(s): DEATH; GHOSTS; RIVERS; SUPERNATURAL; DEAD, THE;
I am the ghost of Shadwell Stair.
Along the wharves by the water-house,
And through the dripping slaughter-house,
I am the shadow that walks there.

Yes I have flesh both firm and cool,
And eyes tumultuous as gems
Of moons and lamps in the lapping Thames
When dusk sails wavering down the pool.

Shuddering the purple streets are burns
Where I watch always; from the banks
Dolorously the shipping clanks,
And after me a strange tide turns.

I walk till the stars of London wane
And dawn creeps up the Shadwell Stair.
But when the crowing syrens blare
I wish another ghost am lain.




Home: PoetryExplorer.net