Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HELEN'S BURNING by LAURA RIDING

Poet Analysis

First Line: HER BEAUTY, WHICH WE TALK OF
Last Line: AND LOSE THE GIFT OF PROPHECY.
Subject(s): HELEN OF TROY; MYTHOLOGY - CLASSICAL;
Her beauty, which we talk of,
Is but half her fate.
All does not come to light
Until the two halves meet
And we are silent
And she speaks,
Her whole fate saying,
She is, she is not, in one breath.

But we will tell only half, fear to know all
Lest all should be to tell
And our mouths choke with flame
Of her consuming
And lose the gift of prophecy.



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