Kathleen Raine Quotes

“And see the peaceful trees extend
their myriad leaves in leisured dance—
they bear the weight of sky and cloud
upon the fountain of their veins.”

Kathleen Raine

“Intent on one great love, perfect,
Requited and for ever,
I missed love's everywhere
Small presence, thousand-guised.”

Kathleen Raine

Poem Confessions

“He has married me with a ring, a ring of bright water
Whose ripples spread from the heart of the sea,
He has married me with a ring of light, the glitter
Broadcast on the swift river.”

Kathleen Raine

Source: Poem The Marriage of Psyche

“Strangers have crossed the sound, but not the sound of the dark oarsmen
Or the golden-haired sons of kings,
Strangers whose thought is not formed to the cadence of waves,
Rhythm of the sickle, oar and milking pail”

Kathleen Raine

Poem The Ancient Speech

“In rose with petals soft as air
I bind for you the tides and fire —
the death that lives within the flower,
oh, gladly love, for you I bear.”

Kathleen Raine

Poem Envoi