A Celebration of Women Writers

"The Followers" by Ethelwyn Wetherald (1857-1940)
In Garvin, John William, ed. Canadian Poets. Toronto, Canada: McClelland, Goodchild & Stewart, Publishers, 1916. pp. 172.

Editor: Mary Mark Ockerbloom

[Page 172]

The Followers

ONE day I caught up with my angel, she
  Who calls me bell-like from a sky-touched tower.
  'Twas in my roof-room, at the stillest hour
Of a still, sunless day, when suddenly
A flood of deep unreasoned ecstasy
  Lifted my heart, that had begun to cower,
  And wrapped it in a flame of living power.
My leader said, 'Arise and follow me.'

Then as I followed gladly I beheld
  How all men baffled, burdened, crossed or curst,
     Clutch at an angel's hem, if near or far;
One not-to-be-resisted voice, deep-belled,
  Speaks to them, and of those we call the worst,
     Lo, each poor blackened brow strains to a Star !

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Editor: Mary Mark Ockerbloom