|
|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
SARA TEASDALE, by ERMA MELLISH
First Line: You did not climb the stairs alone last night
Last Line: Edged dagger deep into his contrite heart.
Subject(s): Cups; Despair; Stairs
First Line: You did not climb the stairs alone last night
Last Line: Edged dagger deep into his contrite heart.
Subject(s): Cups; Despair; Stairs
You did not climb the stairs alone last night
To hide your face and weep unheard. For in
My own despair I followed you and bit
My lip and pressed my hand against my mouth
And understood.
He did not see the cup
You held was brimming over, grapes you held
Were purple with desire. How could he be
So deaf and dumb and blind to living fire
And pass your lonely way untouched, unmoved . . .
But I and being mortal I have learned
That since you climbed the stairs alone and left --
The worm has turned; the dust of you has stung
His face and parched his mouth and sent a sharp-
Edged dagger deep into his contrite heart.
Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!
Other Poems of Interest...
THE BLUE STAIRS by BARBARA GUEST
THE STWONEN STEPS by WILLIAM BARNES
MEETING HALFWAY by FAIRFAX DOWNEY
STAIRWAYS by MAHLON LEONARD FISHER
WHITEHALL STAIRS by AARON HILL