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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE ISLANDS: 1 by HILDA DOOLITTLE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WHAT ARE THE ISLANDS TO ME
Last Line: WHAT IS GREECE?
Subject(s): BIBLE; GREECE; ISLANDS; GREEKS;

What are the islands to me,
what is Greece,
what is Rhodes, Samos, Chios,
what is Paros facing west,
what is Crete?

What is Samothrace,
rising like a ship,
what is Imbros rending the storm-waves
with its breast?

What is Naxos, Paros, Milos,
what the circle about Lycia,
what, the Cyclades'
white necklace?

What is Greece --
Sparta, rising like a rock,
Thebes, Athens,
what is Corinth?

What is Euboia with its island violets,
what is Euboia, spread with grass,
set with swift shoals,
what is Crete?

What are the islands to me,
what is Greece?



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