Re: The Poplar by Richard Aldington

> Will-Dockery wrote:
> 
>> Hieronymous707 wrote:
>> Why do you always stand there shivering
>> Between the white stream and the road?
>> 
>> The people pass through the dust
>> On bicycles, in carts, in motor-cars;
>> The waggoners go by at dawn;
>> The lovers walk on the grass path at night.
>> 
>> Stir from your roots, walk, poplar!
>> You are more beautiful than they are.
>> 
>> I know that the white wind loves you,
>> Is always kissing you and turning up
>> The white lining of your green petticoat.
>> The sky darts through you like blue rain,
>> And the grey rain drips on your flanks
>> And loves you.
>> And I have seen the moon
>> Slip his silver penny into your pocket
>> As you straightened your hair;
>> And the white mist curling and hesitating
>> Like a bashful lover about your knees.
>> 
>> I know you, poplar;
>> I have watched you since I was ten.
>> But if you had a little real love,
>> A little strength,
>> You would leave your nonchalant idle lovers
>> And go walking down the white road
>> Behind the waggoners.
>> 
>> There are beautiful beeches
>> Down beyond the hill.
>> Will you always stand there shivering?
> 
> 
> Good selection.



It was.

I have a couple of Aldington poems on PPB, but not that one (yet). IIRC today marks the first time I've read it. 


This response appears in the discussion at:
http://www.jlaforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=658892902#658892902

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