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Villanelle of Change

 Since Persia fell at Marathon,
The yellow years have gathered fast: 
Long centuries have come and gone. 

And yet (they say) the place will don
A phantom fury of the past, 
Since Persia fell at Marathon; 

And as of old, when Helicon
Trembled and swayed with rapture vast
(Long centuries have come and gone), 

This ancient plain, when night comes on, 
Shakes to a ghostly battle-blast, 
Since Persia fell at Marathon. 

But into soundless Acheron
The glory of Greek shame was cast: 
Long centuries have come and gone, 

The suns of Hellas have all shone, 
The first has fallen to the last:— 
Since Persia fell at Marathon, 
Long centuries have come and gone.






Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry