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Classic and Contemporary Poetry
ANNA IVANOVNA, by VERA FLANDORF First Line: Her honor flashed cross-sworded in her eyes Last Line: Plow centuries of women, true and wise. | |||
Her honor flashed cross-sworded in her eyes, Eyes of cool grey that judged and were at peace, Eyes of the timid grey of morning skies Or limpid grey of pools where ripples cease. And he looked in her eyes and knew that never, Though he should scar her body, or write shame Upon her breasts, dungeon her pure endeavor, And into gutters foul spit her fair name, Could he beat out those crossed swords in her eyes. For they came from pride, not in ermine gown On cringing limbs, not in a golden crown Of queenly beauty or high-chosen bride, But of being sired by peasants at whose side Plow centuries of women, true and wise. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FOR OUR BETTER GRACES by JAMES GALVIN THE PRODIGAL SON by DAVID IGNATOW GALAHAD IN THE CASTLE OF THE MAIDENS by SARA TEASDALE OUT FROM BEHIND THIS MASK by WALT WHITMAN A BALLADE OF EVOLUTION by GRANT ALLEN TO MRS -- RETURNING FINE HYACINTH PLANT AFTER BLOOM IS OVER by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD FRIENDSHIP by PIERRE JEAN DE BERANGER |
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