Poem by Ezra Weston Loomis Pound

Ballad for Gloom

For God, our God, is a gallant foe 
That playeth behind the veil. 
 
I have loved my God as a child at heart 
That seeketh deep bosoms for rest, 
I have loved my God as a maid to man—
But lo, this thing is best: 

To love your God as a gallant foe
                            that plays behind the veil; 
To meet your God as the night winds meet
                            beyond Arcturus' pale. 
 
I have played with God for a woman, 
I have staked with my God for truth,   
I have lost to my God as a man, clear-eyed, 
        His dice be not of ruth,
 
For I am made as a naked blade 
        But hear ye this thing in sooth: 
 
Who loseth to God as man to man   
      Shall win at the turn of the game. 
I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet 
          But the ending is the same: 
Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose 
        Shall win at the end of the game.   
 
For God, our God, is a gallant foe
                              that playeth behind the veil. 
Whom God deigns not to overthrow
                            Hath need of triple mail.

1. Villonaud for This Yule
2. La Regina Avrillouse
3. Nicotine
4. Cantico del Sole
5. Ione, Dead the Long Year

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