The Flood

The Flood

by Robert Frost

Blood has been harder to dam back than water.
Just when we think we have it impounded safe
Behind new barrier walls (and let it chafe!),
It breaks away in some new kind of slaughter.

We choose to say it is let loose by the devil;
But power of blood itself releases blood.
It goes by might of being such a flood
Held high at so unnatural a level.

It will have outlet, brave and not so brave.
Weapons of war and implements of peace
Are but the points at which it finds release.
And now it is once more the tidal wave

That when it has swept by leaves summits stained.
Oh, blood will out. It cannot be contained.

*****

I believe it is a response to the great Mississippi River flood of 1927, which killed and displaced thousands of people — including many African Americans.

Amardeep Singh, professor of English

*****

This poem has nothing to do with floods. It is a commentary on the human potential for violence. Our display and love for it.

Anonymous

Ha

After almost a year I am back to blogging.

Hope I shall post my blogs regularly from now on.