Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


YOU ARE FIRE EATERS by MARIANNE MOORE

Poet Analysis

First Line: NOT A MERE BLOWING FLAME
Last Line: SURRENDER, MAY BE CONQUEST.
Subject(s): JEHOSHAPHAT (BIBLE);

Not a mere blowing flame—
A clinking ash, I feel—with shame,
At malendeavor in your service.

But as Jehoshaphat said on that occasion in
Old Testament history,

"The battle is not mine,"
And strategy laid down—in fine
Surrender, may be conquest.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net