Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LADY VISITOR IN THE PAUPER WARD, by ROBERT RANKE GRAVES Poet Analysis Poet's Biography
First Line: Why do you break upon this old, cool peace
Last Line: Leave us alone.
Subject(s): Poverty

WHY do you break upon this old, cool peace,
This painted peace of ours,
With harsh dress hissing like a flock of geese,
With garish flowers?
Why do you churn smooth waters rough again,
Selfish old skin-and-bone?
Leave us to quiet dreaming and slow pain,
Leave us alone.