Melmillo

Read 'Melmillo' by 'Walter de la Mare' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Melmillo by Walter De La Mare

 Three and thirty birds there stood 
In an elder in a wood; 
Called Melmillo -- flew off three, 
Leaving thirty in the tree; 
Called Melmillo -- nine now gone, 
And the boughs held twenty-one; 
Called Melmillo -- and eighteen 
Left but three to nod and preen; 
Called Melmillo -- three--two--one-- 
Now of birds were feathers none. 

Then stole slim Me.millo in 
To that wood all dusk and green, 
And with lean long palms outspread 
Softly a strange dance did tread; 
Not a note of music she 
Had for echoing company; 
All the birds were flown to rest 
In the hollow of her breast; 
In the wood -- thorn, elder willow -- 
Danced alone -- lone danced Melmillo.

Form: Ballad Comments

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