The World's Desire
Nora Hopper Chesson
1871 to 1906
Type into the gaps to complete the poem. To reset the game, click on the "Reset Game" button located below the poem. This will clear all the words you've placed in the blanks, and resetting the poem to its original state with empty blanks. If you prefer to drag and drop words, click the Drag & Drop button below. You can also print out the poem for use in the classroom.
There was born to the world last night
woman-child for the world's delight.
Her mouth was as a rosebud is
Before the bee and blossom kiss;
Her hair was a cloud and eyes were fire.
Her hands were full of and desire.
Her cheek was a rose full blossoming.
Her voice was honey, her tongue a sting.
Before the night took thought of the day
child was born — with a caul, they say.
The caul shall serve her in place of a charm,
That water and fire shall not do her harm.
The child was born to bring all men grief.
Hunger and thirsting beyond relief.
An ill shone on the bitter morn
When the mother and the child was bom.
She shall be with water of tears.
With doubtful pleasure and fears;
We will name her Helen, that she be
A warning, a wonder 'twixt sea and sea.
Though the waves o'erwhelm her, she shall not drown.
She shall not burn in the burning town:
Except she burn of her own white fire.
world's disaster, the world's desire.