Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, HYSTERIA, by THOMAS STEARNS ELIOT


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

HYSTERIA, by         Recitation         Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: As she laughed I was aware of becoming involved in her
Last Line: Attention with careful subtlety to this end.
Alternate Author Name(s): Eliot, T. S.
Subject(s): Depression, Mental; Mentally Depressed; Mental Distress


As she laughed I was aware of becoming involved in her
laughter and being part of it, until her teeth were
only accidental stars with a talent for squad-drill. I
was drawn in by short gasps, inhaled at each momentary
recovery, lost finally in the dark caverns of her
throat, bruised by the ripple of unseen muscles. An
elderly waiter with trembling hands was hurriedly
spreading a pink and white checked cloth over the
rusty green iron table, saying: "If the lady and
gentleman wish to take their tea in the garden, if the
lady and gentleman wish to take their tea in the
garden..." I decided that if the shaking of her
breasts could be stopped, some of the fragments of the
afternoon might be collected, and I concentrated my
attention with careful subtlety to this end.





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