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32

XII. PIGEON HUGO

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(CORNISH: POETHON OGO=BOILING CAVE).

Sheer rocks of pitchy blackness to the skies,
With flower-full ledges, gold dust on the walls,
O'erhang a tide that when it flows or falls
Boils into rage of foam that never dies.
There sea-mews circle with distressful cries
And constant melancholy; depth appals
And height is hopeless; there the raven calls
Death, and there Death, the cormorant, replies.
Cavern of fury, you dissemble well;
Your walls of death and pain with flowers you dress,
With gloss of gold you half conceal your spite;
You are the very counterfeit of hell,
Your central depths dark misery, fathomless,
Your open mouth sweet kisses, dear delight.
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