Threnody Poem by Dorothy Parker

Threnody

Rating: 3.2


Lilacs blossom just as sweet
Now my heart is shattered.
If I bowled it down the street,
Who's to say it mattered?
If there's one that rode away
What would I be missing?
Lips that taste of tears, they say,
Are the best for kissing.

Eyes that watch the morning star
Seem a little brighter;
Arms held out to darkness are
Usually whiter.
Shall I bar the strolling guest,
Bind my brow with willow,
When, they say, the empty breast
Is the softer pillow?

That a heart falls tinkling down,
Never think it ceases.
Every likely lad in town
Gathers up the pieces.
If there's one gone whistling by
Would I let it grieve me?
Let him wonder if I lie;
Let him half believe me.

COMMENTS OF THE POEM
Barbara Price 14 May 2018

This poem was set to music by Myriam Gendron and recorded on her album Not So Deep as a Well

4 1 Reply
Andy Fowler 17 May 2010

This poem was set to music by Per Gessle and recorded by Frida of Abba on her 1982 solo album 'Something's Going On'. A beautiful setting of a heart-rending poem.

9 1 Reply
Nim900 09 February 2019

It was the B-side of FRIDA's 1982 single I Know There's Something Going On - and correct that it was a beautiful recording, and one of her best English recordings.

4 0
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Dorothy Parker

Dorothy Parker

Long Branch / New Jersey
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