Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


EROS: 5 by HILDA DOOLITTLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: AH LOVE IS BITTER AND SWEET
Last Line: BITTER AS ASH?
Subject(s): BIBLE; UNFAITHFULNESS; INFIDELITY; ADULTERY; INCONSTANCY;

Ah love is bitter and sweet,
but which is more sweet
the bitterness of the sweetness,
none has spoken it.

Love is bitter,
but can salt taint sea-flowers,
grief, happiness?

Is it bitter to give back
love to your lover if he crave it?

Is it bitter to give back
love to your lover is he wish it
for a new favourite,
who can say,
or is it sweet?

Is it sweet to possess utterly,
or is it bitter,
bitter as ash?



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