Such skies came to worry men
On the eve of great battles:
Clouds soaked in blood of the dying day
That made the horses restless,
So the soothsayers were summoned
But kept their mouths shut
About the meaning of it,
Even when shown the naked sword.
The gloomy heavens made gloomier
By the shadow play of unknown tribes
And their heroes on the run.
The white church tower of the First Congregational
Clutching its bird-shaped weathervane
Against it all, but the village deserted.
Not a soul in sight. The people indoors
Afraid to get up and turn on the lights.
Some young farm woman, dress unbuttoned,
A small child on her knees,
Its head turning away from her full breast . . .
Eyes full of the sky's terror and luster.
-- From The Book of Gods and Devils
Posted by caterina at February 20, 2003 11:22 AM