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1885–1928

“FIRE AND SLEET AND CANDLELIGHT”

Elinor Wylie

For this you've striven Daring, to fail: Your sky is riven Like a tearing veil.

For this, you've wasted Wings of your youth; Divined, and tasted Bitter springs of truth.

From sand unslaked Twisted strong cords, And wandered naked Among trysted swords.

There's a word unspoken, A knot untied. Whatever is broken The earth may hide.

The road was jagged Over sharp stones: Your body's too ragged To cover your bones.

The wind scatters Tears upon dust; Your soul's in tatters Where the spears thrust.

Your race is ended — See, it is run: Nothing is mended Under the sun.

Straight as an arrow You fall to a sleep Not too narrow And not too deep.

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“FIRE AND SLEET AND CANDLELIGHT” · Elinor Wylie · Poetry Cove