Thomas Merton

Thomas Merton, monk, poet, essayist and memoirist who wrote on spiritual and social themes, was one of the most influential and best-known Catholic writers of the 20th century. He was born on January 31, 1915 in Prades,

Aubade—Harlem

by Thomas Merton (1915–68)

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16

for Baroness G. de Hueck

Across the cages of the keyless aviaries,

The lines and wires, the gallows of the broken kites,

Crucify, against the fearful light,

The ragged dresses of the little children.

Soon, in the sterile jungles of the waterpipes and ladders,

The bleeding sun, a bird of prey, will terrify the poor,

These will forget the unbelievable moon.

But in the cells of whiter buildings,

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