Classic Poem

In a cathedral cool and dim
I watched her for a space.
She sat there, motionless of limb,
And rapture in her face.

It was an ancient, storied pile
That all the tourists know —
Built in a very Gothic style
A many years ago.

" Some devotee of art, " I said,
" Is sitting, thrilling, there. "
The lady knelt and bowed her head:
To whom was made her prayer?

Ah, who can say? I only know
That when she left the place
I, too, was strangely moved to go,
Lured by her lovely face.

I knew nor cared what might betide,
Nor what the step foreboded;
But — hardly had I got outside
When bang!the bomb exploded!