The flood

Robert Frost

Robert Frost’s poem “The Flood” was first published in his 1928 collection “West-Running Brook”.

Robert Lee Frost was born on 26 March 1874 in San Francisco, California, US, and he died on 29 January 1963 in Boston, Massachusetts, US, at the age of 88.

A poet and playwright, Frost was published in England before he was published in the US. Known for his realistic depictions of rural life and his command of American colloquial speech, he frequently wrote about settings from rural life in New England in the early 20th century, using them to examine complex social and philosophical themes.

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Scheduled: 31 December 2026 • 2026-12-31
Word length: 120

Blood has been harder to dam back than water. Just when we think we have it impounded safe Behind new barrier walls (and let it chafe!), It breaks away in some new land of slaughter. We choose to say it is let loose by the devil; But power of blood itself releases blood. It goes by might of being such a flood Held high at so unnatural a level. It will have outlet, brave and not so brave. Weapons of war and implements of peace Are but the points at which it finds release. And now it is once more the tidal wave That when it has swept by leaves summits stained. Oh, blood will out. It cannot be contained.

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