An Extract From Recompense: Robert E Howard
Posted on: 23 October 2006
I have not heard lutes beckon me, nor the brazen bugles call
But once in the din of a haunted lea I heard the silence fall.
I have not heard the regal drum, nor seen the flag unfurled,
But I have watched the dragons come, fire-eyed, across the world….
And I have felt the sudden blow of a nameless wind’s cold breath,
And watched the grisly pilgrims go that walk the roads of Death,
And I have seen black valleys gape, abysses in the gloom,
And I have fought the deathless Ape that guards the Doors of Doom.
I have not seen the face of Pan, nor mocked the dryad’s haste,
But I have trailed a dark-eyed Man across a windy waste.
I have not died as men may die, nor sin as men have sinned,
But I have reached a misty sky upon a granite wind.
8 Responses to "An Extract From Recompense: Robert E Howard"
2 | gorenlust
23 October 2006 at 16:27
ohhh…..thanks so much, this is Howard work I hadn’t yet had the pleasure of finding. Stunning.
3 | Val
23 October 2006 at 17:29
Every piece of his work that you publish just increases my admiration for the man’s talent.
4 | Diane
23 October 2006 at 18:48
Ditto what Val said. Thank you for posting Bob’s work. The more I read, the more I want to read…. (subtle hint?!)
5 | ~ann~
24 October 2006 at 00:20
I would gladly post more if I could get my grubby little hands on more… it is impossible to buy his poetry as very few books were published, so I believe there are only first editions for around $200 on the market… I did consider it, but one day I may buy and justify it as an investment… hmmmmm
7 | Liz
26 October 2006 at 08:38
Agree what Val said!!! Thanks Ann for posting it, you are right it is hard to get his books.
8 | JoJo
2 November 2006 at 20:45
Ann – I’m very new to Bob Howard’s work and this is just amazing. I think I may print it off and do some kind of calligraphy/art thing at home.
The imagery is very cool.
Is it just me, or does Axe’s writing remind you a bit of this piece?
at home with ann 
23 October 2006 at 08:33
I’ve been missing Bob and felt a need for his brilliance.
This extract conjures up mystic and mythical images and I can almost hear his rich voice shouting these words at his typewriter and feel the depths of his soul.