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."