|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry
NOT TO KEEP, by ROBERT FROST Poem Explanation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography First Line: They sent him back to her. The letter came Last Line: They had given him back to her, but not to keep. Subject(s): World War I - Casualties | |||
They sent him back to her. The letter came Saying ... And she could have him. And before She could be sure there was no hidden ill Under the formal writing, he was in her sight, Living. They gave him back to her alive -- How else? They are not known to send the dead -- And not disfigured visibly. His face? His hands? She had to look, to ask, "What was it, dear?" And she had given all And still she had all -- they had -- they the lucky! Wasn't she glad now? Everything seemed won, And all the rest for them permissible ease. She had to ask, "What was it, dear?" "Enough, Yet not enough. A bullet through and through, High in the breast. Nothing but what good care And medicine and rest, and you a week, Can cure me of to go again." The same Grim giving to do over for them both. She dared no more than ask him with her eyes How was it with him for a second trial. And with his eyes he asked her not to ask. They had given him back to her, but not to keep. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE MORNING PAPER by KATHARINE LEE BATES FOR THE FALLEN (SEPTEMBER 1914) by LAURENCE BINYON TRAFALGAR SQUARE by ROBERT SEYMOUR BRIDGES 1914: 3. THE DEAD by RUPERT BROOKE 1914: 4. THE DEAD by RUPERT BROOKE BETWEEN THE LINES by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON RUPERT BROOKE by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON THE MESSAGES by WILFRID WILSON GIBSON |
| |