Helen All Alone

by Rudyard Kipling

　　

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There was darkness under Heaven For an hour's space, Darkness that we knew was given Us for special grace. Sun and moon and stars were hid, God had left His Throne, When Helen came to me, she did, Helen all alone! Side by side (because our fate Damned us ere our birth) We stole out of Limbo Gate Looking for the Earth. Hand in pulling hand amid Fear no dreams have known, Helen ran with me, she did, Helen all alone! When the Horror passing speech Hunted us along, Each laid hold on each, and each Found the other strong. In the teeth of Things forbid And Reason overthrown, Helen stood by me, she did, Helen all alone! When, at last, we heard those Fires Dull and die away, When, at last, our linked desires Dragged us up to day; When, at last, our souls were rid Of what that Night had shown, Helen passed from me, she did, Helen all alone! Let her go and find a mate, As I will find a bride, Knowing naught of Limbo Gate Or Who are penned inside. There is knowledge God forbid More than one should own. So Helen went from me, she did, Oh, my soul, be glad she did! Helen all alone!

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