The Death-Chords
By George Sterling
What antiphon is this, with Earth to Hell
Rendering moan for moan? Alas the cries
That from red mouths of many wounds arise
Above the bass of cannon and the knell
Of tolling mortal and infernal shell!
Far upon Europe's overshadowed skies
The deep vibration of that anthem dies,
When falls the night with Death for sentinel.
This is the music of thy traitor kings,
O world betrayed, and this the cruel song
Thou singest in the heavens of love and light!
Fold, fold across the lands thy mighty wings
Of dawn and sunset: thou hast sung too long!
Draw round thy breast the everlasting Night!
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