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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


QUESTION AND ANSWER by KATHLEEN JESSIE RAINE

Poet Analysis

First Line: THAT WHICH IS BEING THE ONLY ANSWER
Last Line: AND WITH THE SUN RISES PERPETUAL DAY.
Subject(s): FIRE; FLOWERS;

That which is being the only answer
The question is its measure. Ask the flower
And the answer unfolds in eloquent petals about the centre;
Ask fire, and the rose bursts into flame and terror.

Ask water and the streams flow and dew falls;
Shell's minute spiral wisdom forms in pools.
Earth answers fields and gardens and the grave; birds rise
Into the singing air that opens boundless skies.

Womb knows the eternal union and its child,
Heart the blood-sacrifice of the wounded god.
Death charts the terrible negative infinity,
And with the sun rises perpetual day.



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