Skip to content
1882–1950

THE TURN OF THE ROAD

James Stephens

I was playing with my hoop along the road Just where the bushes are, when, suddenly, There came a shout.— I ran away and stowed Myself beneath a bush, and watched to see

What made the noise, and then, around the bend, I saw a woman running. She was old And wrinkle-faced, and had big teeth.— The end Of her red shawl caught on a bush and rolled

Right off her, and her hair fell down.— Her face Was awful white, and both her eyes looked sick, And she was talking queer. “O God of Grace!” Said she, “where is the child?” and flew back quick

The way she came, and screamed, and shook her hands; ... Maybe she was a witch from foreign lands.

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
THE TURN OF THE ROAD · James Stephens · Poetry Cove