Alone Poem by Ambrose Bierce

Alone

Rating: 3.0


In contact, lo! the flint and steel,
By sharp and flame, the thought reveal
That he the metal, she the stone,
Had cherished secretly alone.

Alone
COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Terence George Craddock 05 April 2010

Interesting, in contact with skill 'lo! the flint and steel', produce the sparks that flame the dry tinder to produce fire. The metal and stone, is one of the easiest and quickest traditional survival techniques used to produce fire and definitely was cherished and secretly keep in many early tribal cultures and civilizations. It still fascinates children and hunters or trappers as Ambrose correctly observes. Why do so few explore some of the meanings of these poems?

5 3 Reply
Joseph Poewhit 05 April 2010

True, how one spark can kindle a great fire. Though, GOD created it all.

3 4 Reply
Gone Away 05 April 2010

When 'he' and 'she' come together they create something special!

3 3 Reply
Fading Heart 05 April 2009

I believe this was a great poem in its shortness it had alot of deepth and meaning to it.

1 5 Reply
Rob Lamberton 15 February 2024

Alone no longer!

0 0 Reply
Chinedu Dike 02 October 2019

Nicely encapsulated thoughts and feelings. An insightful creation. Thanks for sharing,

1 0 Reply
Christopher Laue 08 April 2014

This poem is excellent. I see it as a beautiful description of how two people find each other and discover their passionate love for each other. Like David and Bathsheba. When he(the flint) and she(the steel) meet, they complemented each other completely. They are soul mates. They alone are meant for each other. It is love at first sight; and lo! the spark of passion ignites the flame of love within them, and reveals their most intimate secret desires and expectations: That he (the stone) has secretly cherished the metal, and she (the steel) has secretly cherished the stone... and they have found what they have always longed for. True love. Christopher Laue

1 2 Reply
M Asim Nehal 08 December 2016

Very true....I agree with your comments.....

0 0
Thomas Vaughan Jones 05 April 2014

In 1913, Bierce traveled to Mexico to gain first-hand experience of the Mexican Revolution. While traveling with rebel troops, he disappeared without a trace. Obviously, they didn't like his poetry either. Old does not neccesarily mean good. Many of the writers in this site could put this to shame, He has just taken a pair of rhyming couplets and put them together. Bad scansion, terrible assonance and utterly banaal. .

9 5 Reply
Anna Boukna 05 April 2014

short and is very catchy! :)

0 0 Reply
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Ambrose Bierce

Ambrose Bierce

Horse Cave Creek, Ohio
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