Contents -BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD

Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.

“Helen All Alone”

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!