The Quiet Enemy
Hearken! now the hermit bee Drones a quiet threnody; Greening on the stagnant pool The criss-cross light is beautiful; In the venomed yew tree wings Preen and flit. The linnet sings. Gradually the brave sun Sinks to a day's journey done; In the marshy flats abide Mists to muffle midnight-tide. Puffed within the belfry tower Hungry owls drowse out their hour.... Walk in beauty. Vaunt thy rose. Flaunt thy poisonous loveliness! Pace for pace with thee there goes A shape that hath not come to bless. I, thine enemy?... Nay, nay! I can only watch, and wait Patient treacherous time away, Hold ajar the wicket gate.
AI analysis available. Enable JavaScript to interact.
About this line
"Hearken! now the hermit bee..."
Walter De La Mare's contribution to classic is further solidified by the brilliance found in "The Quiet Enemy"... ### Why We Love This Line At Linespedia, we believe that poetry is the ultimate sanctuary for the soul...