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This poem is taken from PN Review 55, Volume 13 Number 5, May - June 1987.

Exercises upon the Psalter Donald Davie

Benedictus

Importunately
inopportune,

blessed is he that cometh in
the name of the

splendour between
ice and pearl cover in
the clockless distance,

flying the polar route as
we did in those days
                    (We have been
                    modern
                    so long!)

Vengeance is mine, saith the Lord

You that would bite the whole pie and
mell with the pack, yet pout yourself ill-used,

you have committed crimes
against the innocent for
no profit but self-promotion.
...


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