The Cranes of Ibycus - From the Sibyl, By David Austin

Ibycus was on his way to a music festival when he was set upon by robbers. While dying a wave of cranes flew over. Ibycus implored the cranes to avenge him. The robbers, with their spoils attended the music festival. There were thousands in attendance. Mid way through a choir performance, a flock of cranes flew over the stadium. The robbers, recalling Ibycus' dying words, panicked and were arrested

THE CRANES OF IBYCUS

“Look!    Look, comrade,
There, yonder flow
The cranes of Ibycus!”

Above the stadium,
In perfect row,
The cranes of Ibycus,

Above the Fury’s chorus,
In dissonance, crow,
The cranes of Ibycus!

Above the bedlam crowd
Their numbers grow,
The cranes of Ibycus!

Above the hoard of voices,
Become now low,
The cranes of Ibycus.

Above the perfect silence,
Flying slow,
The cranes of Ibycus.

Above ten thousand heads
Which lowly bow,
The cranes of Ibycus.

Beyond the tiers and fading
In the distant glow,
The cranes of Ibycus

Dave Austin
a la W.H. Auden
Copyright © | Year Posted 2012

Poem

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Ludden Avatar
August 7, 2012 at 12:34 PM
Auden is one of my favorite writers. Not positive if you are male or female...as you autograph this one differently. Nice use of repetition here. -Dean
Ludden Avatar
August 7, 2012 at 6:32 PM
I too, sir...I, too
Austin Avatar
August 7, 2012 at 12:47 PM
What? Daver is supposed to be feminine? Never thought about it. I am very old, but still have a pair, thank you. daver
Mac Donald Avatar
August 3, 2012 at 12:03 PM
Had to look this one up in the mythology guide, Daver!:) The cranes were unable to save the poet from the murderous robbers, but they were apprehended on the sighting of "The cranes of Ibycus". A profound piece, Daver! Best wishes to you and yours! Love, Mikki
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