Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VARIATIONS: 4 by CONRAD AIKEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: HERE, ALONE, UNKNOWN, IN THE DARKNESS
Last Line: PASSIONATE DANCER.
Subject(s): DANCING & DANCERS;

Here, alone, unknown, in the darkness,
I watch you whirling above your shadow,
Soft in saffron, with dark hair jeweled,
And arms uplifted,

Dancing alone in the hissing spotlight . . .
You rise and fall on the wave of the music
Narrowing eyes at the light that dazzles,
Languidly smiling . . .

Beautiful, now, are your cold white shoulders . . .
If I were death, my hands might touch them;
If I were death, my mouth might kiss you,
Passionate dancer.



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