The Copperhead Poem Rhyme Scheme and Analysis
Rhyme Scheme: AABBCCDD EEFFGGHH IIJJKKLLThere is peace in the swamp where the Copperhead sleeps | A |
Where the waters are stagnant the white vapor creeps | A |
Where the musk of Magnolia hangs thick in the air | B |
And the lilies' phylacteries broaden in prayer | B |
There is peace in the swamp though the quiet is death | C |
Though the mist is miasma the upas tree's breath | C |
Though no echo awakes to the cooing of doves | D |
There is peace yes the peace that the Copperhead loves | D |
- | |
Go seek him he coils in the ooze and the drip | E |
Like a thong idly flung from the slave driver's whip | E |
But beware the false footstep the stumble that brings | F |
A deadlier lash than the overseer swings | F |
Never arrow so true never bullet so dread | G |
As the straight steady stroke of that hammer shaped head | G |
Whether slave or proud planter who braves that dull crest | H |
Woe to him who shall trouble the Copperhead's rest | H |
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Then why waste your labors brave hearts and strong men | I |
In tracking a trail to the Copperhead's den | I |
Lay your axe to the cypress hew open the shade | J |
To the free sky and sunshine Jehovah has made | J |
Let the breeze of the North sweep the vapors away | K |
Till the stagnant lake ripples the freed waters play | K |
And then to your heel can you righteously doom | L |
The Copperhead born of its shadow and gloom | L |
Bret Harte
(2)
Poem topics: , Print This Poem , Rhyme Scheme
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