Robert Graves

Robert Graves, the versatile English writer, was the son of the Irish poet Alfred Percival Graves. Robert Graves established his reputation with Good-bye to All That (1929), an outspoken

Turn of the Moon

by Robert Graves (1895–1985)

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16

Never forget who brings the rain

In swarthy goatskin bags from a far sea:

It is the Moon as she turns, repairing

Damages of long drought and sunstroke.

Never count upon rain, never foretell it,

For no power can bring rain

Except the Moon as she turns; and who can rule her?

She is prone to delay the necessary floods,

Lest such a gift might become obligation,

Click here for complete poem

Poets Book of Days

July 24

Robert Graves born, 1895

View Calendar of Days

Poetry Trivia

Question:

What prominent mid-twentieth century American poet moved to Nashville to study with Allen Tate, describing himself on arrival as having a "head . . . full of Miltonic, vaguely piratical ambitions. My only anchor was a suitcase, heavy with bad poetry"?

Answer

Robert Lowell. Compare his For the Union Dead with Tate's Ode to the Confederate Dead.

Previous Trivia Questions

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