Poetry Sunday: Fire and Ice by Robert Frost

Will the world end in fire or ice? Considering how the planet is rapidly heating up, it seems most likely that it will end in fire. But after the fires burn out and all the humans are gone, ice may once again have its chance. It's a question that Robert Frost considered in 1920 and, of course, he wrote a poem about it. It is brief and to the point.

Fire and Ice

by Robert Frost 

Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.

Comments

  1. mudpuddleNovember 13, 2021 at 11:00 PM

    So... Mr. Frost, how do you really feel about the human race? lol... i have to include this poem by Sir Walter Raleigh (the English prof, not the "friend" of Queen Bess):

    I wish I loved the human race,
    I wish I liked the way it walks,
    I wish i liked the way it talks,
    And when i'm introduced to one,
    I wish I thought what jolly fun...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersNovember 14, 2021 at 8:42 AM

      So Raleigh held a somewhat jaundiced view of our race as well. It is an opinion that has been well-earned, even in the 16th/17th centuries.

      Delete
    2. jenclairNovember 14, 2021 at 1:14 PM

      What a wonderful poem for introverts, mudpuddle. \

      Delete
  2. David M. Gascoigne,November 14, 2021 at 5:13 AM

    You have taken me right back to undergraduate English, Dorothy, where we studied this poem! A lot of meaning is packed into a few words.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AlanaNovember 14, 2021 at 7:41 AM

    I also studied this poem in high school English. It's one of several Frost poems this not-poetry fan liked in high school. This past September I visited Frost's grave in Vermont. He was a fascinating man and this poem is one of his best.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersNovember 14, 2021 at 8:44 AM

      He did lead a very interesting life and managed to write some quite marvelous poems in the process.

      Delete
  4. The Butterfly ReaderNovember 14, 2021 at 12:42 PM

    God, I love this poem. I recently bought a book of poetry by Robert Frost, I can't wait to read it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersNovember 14, 2021 at 5:24 PM

      Enjoy. There are a lot of good poems in that book.

      Delete
  5. Lark November 14, 2021 at 1:54 PM

    I've always loved Robert Frost's poems!

    ReplyDelete
  6. reeseNovember 14, 2021 at 5:30 PM

    I love this poem!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersNovember 14, 2021 at 6:20 PM

      It is a terrific poem. Still relevant a hundred years later.

      Delete
  7. thecuecardNovember 14, 2021 at 10:05 PM

    Love Robert Frost's poems.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothy BordersNovember 15, 2021 at 8:33 AM

      I think he is almost universally loved. Anyway, there is nothing to dislike about his poetry.

      Delete

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