Helen Adam - Poem

Poem

A good example of Helen Adam's verse with its striking use of language is "Margaretta's Rime":

Margaretta's Rime
In Amsterdam, that old city,
Church bells tremble and cry;
All day long their airy chiming
Clavers across the sky.


I am young in the old city,
My heart dead in my breast.
I hear the bells in the sky crying,
"Every being is blest."


In Amsterdam, that old city,
Alone at a window I stand,
A spangled garter my only clothing,
A candle flame in my hand.


The people who pass that lighted window,
Looking me up and down,
Know I am one more tourist trifle
For sale in this famous town.


Noon til dusk at the window waiting,
Nights of fury and shame.
I am young in an old city
Playing an older game.


I hear the bells in the sky crying
To the dead heart in my breast,
The gentle bells in the sky crying
"Every being is blest."

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