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Let them cause you to think well then
of the storms
that drive many to shelter. These things
do not happen without reason.
And the next thing I say is this:
I saw an eagle once circling against the
clouds
over one of our principal churches—
Easter, it was—a beautiful day!—:
three gulls came from above the river
and crossed slowly seaward!
Oh, I know you have your own hymns, I
have heard them—
and because I knew they invoked some
great protector
I could not be angry with you, no matter
how much they outraged true music—
You see, it is not necessary for us to leap
at each other,
and, as I told you, in the end
the gulls moved seaward very quietly.
APPEAL
You who are so mighty,
crimson salamander,
hear me once more.
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