The Poetry Corner

Song: One Hard Look.

By Robert von Ranke Graves

Small gnats that fly In hot July And lodge in sleeping ears, Can rouse therein A trumpet's din With Day-of-Judgement fears. Small mice at night Can wake more fright Than lions at midday. An urchin small Torments us all Who tread his prickly way. A straw will crack The camel's back, To die we need but sip, So little sand As fills the hand Can stop a steaming ship. One smile relieves A heart that grieves Though deadly sad it be, And one hard look Can close the book That lovers love to see,