Poem by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Lord Archer, Death

Lord Archer, Death, whom sent you in your
   stead?
What faltering prentice fumbled at your bow,
That now should wander with the insanguine dead
In whom forever the bright blood must flow?
Or is it rather that impairing Time
Renders yourself so random, or so dim?
Or are you sick of shadows and would climb
A while to light, a while detaining him?
For know, this was no mortal youth, to be
Of you confounded, but a heavenly guest,
Assuming earthly garb for love of me,
And hell’s demure attire for love of jest:
Bringing me asphodel and a dark feather,
He will return, and we shall laugh together!

1. I See So Clearly Now My Similar Years
2. Still Will I Harvest Beauty
3. From the Wan Dream
4. She Filled Her Arms with Wood
5. The Wagon Stopped before the House

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