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.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Dorothy Parker's poem Threnody

1 Comment

  1. Linnie says:

    Did you know that Dorothy Parker’s Threnody was recorded by Frida (Anni-Frid Lyngstad of ABBA) 1982? It was on her album “Something’s Going On” and the melody was written by Per Gessle. Frida had earlier said “if I’m ever gonna do a different record, it will be songs with Dorothy Parker’s poems as lyrics. It’s in her texts I find strength, insight and comfort when I go through hard times. Her books have meant a lot to me.” (badly translated, but something like this ;))

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