Recalled

 Long after there were none of them alive 
About the place—where there is now no place 
But a walled hole where fruitless vines embrace 
Their parent skeletons that yet survive 
In evil thorns—none of us could arrive
At a more cogent answer to their ways 
Than one old Isaac in his latter days 
Had humor or compassion to contrive. 

I mentioned them, and Isaac shook his head: 
“The Power that you call yours and I call mine
Extinguished in the last of them a line 
That Satan would have disinherited. 
When we are done with all but the Divine, 
We die.” And there was no more to be said.

Form: Italian Sonnet Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace