Poetry Archives

The darkened buildings echoed to his feet
Clap-clapping on the pavement as he ran.
Across moon-misted squares clamoured his fleet
And terror-wingéd steps.  His heart began
To labour at the speed.  And still no sign,
No flutter of a leaf against the sky.
And this should be the garden wall, and round
The corner, the old gate.  No even line
Was this!  No wall!  And then a fearful cry
Shattered the stillness.  Two stiff houses filled the ground.