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.
Elinor Wylie’s other poems:
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