Ballad for Gloom

Read 'Ballad for Gloom' by 'Ezra Pound' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Ballad for Gloom by Ezra Pound

 For God, our God is a gallant foe 
That playeth behind the veil. 

I have loved my God as a child at heart 
That seeketh deep bosoms for rest, 
I have loved my God as a maid to man— 
But lo, this thing is best: 

To love your God as a gallant foe that plays behind the veil; 
To meet your God as the night winds meet beyond Arcturus' pale. 

I have played with God for a woman, 
I have staked with my God for truth, 
I have lost to my God as a man, clear-eyed— 
His dice be not of ruth. 

For I am made as a naked blade, 
But hear ye this thing in sooth: 

Who loseth to God as man to man 
Shall win at the turn of the game. 
I have drawn my blade where the lightnings meet 
But the ending is the same: 
Who loseth to God as the sword blades lose 
Shall win at the end of the game. 

For God, our God is a gallant foe that playeth behind the veil. 
Whom God deigns not to overthrow hath need of triple mail.

Form: Ballad

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