Poem by Elinor Wylie

The Church-Bell

As I was lying in my bed 
I heard the church-bell ring; 
Before one solemn word was said 
A bird began to sing.

I heard a dog begin to bark 
And a bold crowing cock; 
The bell, between the cold and dark, 
Tolled. It was five o’clock.

The church-bell tolled, and the bird sang, 
A clear true voice he had; 
The cock crew, and the church-bell rang, 
I knew it had gone mad.

A hand reached down from the dark skies, 
It took the bell-rope thong, 
The bell cried ”Look! Lift up your eyes!” 
The clapper shook to song.

The iron clapper laughed aloud, 
Like clashing wind and wave; 
The bell cried out ”Be strong and proud!” 
Then, with a shout, ”Be brave!”

The rumbling of the market-carts, 
The pounding of men’s feet 
Were drowned in song; ”Lift up your hearts!” 
The song was loud and sweet.

Slow and slow the great bell swung, 
It hung in the steeple mute; 
And people tore its living tongue 
Out by the very root.

1. The Pekingese
2. In Our Content, before the Autumn Came
3. Upon Your Heart, Which Is.the Heart of All
4. Absent Thee from Felicity Awhile
5. The Broken Man

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