Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MATER IN EXTREMIS by JEAN STARR UNTERMEYER

Poet Analysis

First Line: I STAND BETWEEN THEM AND THE OUTER WINDS
Last Line: I AM ABOUT TO FALL.
Subject(s): FAILURE; SHIELDS;
I STAND between them and the outer winds,
But I am a crumbling wall.
They told me they could bear the blast alone,
They told me: that was all.
But I must wedge myself between
Them and the first snowfall.

Riddled am I by onslaughts and attacks
I thought I could forestall;
I reared and braced myself to shelter them
Before I heard them call.
I cry them, God, a better shield!
I am about to fall.



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