The poem explores the complex relationship between the speaker and a deceased adversary. It begins with a reflection on the enemy's burial, questioning whether the earth can contain her spirit and the joy she once embodied. The speaker expresses disdain for the ordinary mourners, likening their grief to that of butchers, and reveals a deep-seated admiration for the enemy, who was formidable and vibrant. The speaker acknowledges the adversarial nature of their relationship, suggesting that their exchanges were fierce and equal, marked by mutual disdain and respect. The enemy is portrayed as a woman of strength and honor, whose beauty and fiery spirit left a significant impact. The speaker recalls her duality—tender yet fierce—highlighting the complexity of her character. As the poem progresses, the speaker grapples with the loss, lamenting the absence of the enemy's sharpness and vitality in life. The speaker's longing for her return is palpable, revealing a desire for the challenge and intensity she brought to their interactions. The poem concludes with a yearning for the peace that the enemy has found in death, contrasting it with the speaker's own sense of stagnation and dissatisfaction with life without her. The work ultimately reflects on themes of rivalry, admiration, and the bittersweet nature of human relationships.
By Stephen Vincent Benet · First published 1943 · Genre: Poetry, Elegy, Literary Fiction