Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

EROS: 6 by HILDA DOOLITTLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: I HAD THOUGHT MYSELF FRAIL
Last Line: THEN THE DAY BROKE.
Subject(s): BIBLE; UNFAITHFULNESS; INFIDELITY; ADULTERY; INCONSTANCY;
I had thought myself frail,
a petal
with the light equal
on leaf and under-leaf.

I had thought myself frail;
a lamp,
shell, ivory or crust of pearl,
about to fall shattered,
with flame spent.

I cried:

"I must perish,
I am deserted in this darkness,
an outcast, desperate,"
such fire rent me with Hesperus,

Then the day broke.



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