 | [Poems by Kilmer in] Memories of my son Sergeant Joyce Kilmer |  |
18
“WHITE HORSE” OF KILBURN
To A. K. K. on her Birthday, 1912
Last night the beat of hoofs was heard upon the shaded street,
It broke the silent brooding of the peaceful country-side;
I looked and saw a horse that stamped its terrible white feet,
A giant horse, as white as flame, long maned and starry eyed.
It broke the silent brooding of the peaceful country-side;
I looked and saw a horse that stamped its terrible white feet,
A giant horse, as white as flame, long maned and starry eyed.
“Who is this monstrous visitant?” said I, “Bucephalus?
Or Rosinante, looking for another crazy knight?
Or (not to be conceited) may it not be Pegasus?
This mighty horse, this glowing horse, so beautiful and white.”
Or Rosinante, looking for another crazy knight?
Or (not to be conceited) may it not be Pegasus?
This mighty horse, this glowing horse, so beautiful and white.”
He proudly tossed his noble head, and neighed “Across the foam
My stable lies, with clouds for roof, and mountainous green walls;
I come to take your message unto Her, who near my home
Will hold her birthday feast before another evening falls.”
My stable lies, with clouds for roof, and mountainous green walls;
I come to take your message unto Her, who near my home
Will hold her birthday feast before another evening falls.”
“Go back, O Horse,” I said, “and seek your pleasant dwelling-place,
And here's a gift for you to take, I trust it to your care;
Support this heavy load of love until you see her face,
Then humbly kneel before her feet and lay my homage there.”
And here's a gift for you to take, I trust it to your care;
Support this heavy load of love until you see her face,
Then humbly kneel before her feet and lay my homage there.”
| [Poems by Kilmer in] Memories of my son Sergeant Joyce Kilmer | |