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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


YOU SAY YOU SAID by MARIANNE MOORE

Poet Analysis

First Line: FEW WORDS ARE BEST'
Last Line: "ME AGAINST SUBTERFUGE."
Subject(s): WORLD WAR I - UNITED STATES;

"Few words are best."
Not here. Discretion has been abandoned in this part
of the world too lately
For it to be admired. Disgust for it is like the
Equinox — all things in

One. Disgust is
No psychologist and has not opportunity to be a hypocrite.
It says to the saw-toothed bayonet and to the cue
Of blood behind the sub-

Marine—to the
Poisoned comb, to the Kaiser of Germany and to the
intolerant gateman at the exit from the eastbound ex-
press: "I hate
You less than you must hate

Yourselves: You have
Accoutred me. 'Without enemies one's courage flags'.
Your error has been timed
To aid me, I am in debt to you for you have primed
Me against subterfuge."



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