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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ISLANDS: 4 by HILDA DOOLITTLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT HAS LOVE OF LAND GIVEN TO YOU'
Last Line: "AND THEY ANSWERED -- ""PEACE."
Subject(s): BIBLE; GREECE; ISLANDS; PROPERTY; GREEKS; POSSESSIONS;

"What has love of land given to you
that I have not?"

I have questioned Tyrians
where they sat
on the black ships,
weighted with rich stuffs,
I have asked the Greeks
from the white ships,
and Greeks from ships whose hulks
lay on the wet sand, scarlet
with great beaks.

I have asked bright Tyrians
and tall Greeks --
"what has love of land given you?"

And they answered -- "peace."



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