Text of the Poem

Some say the world will end in fire,
     Some say in ice.
From what I've tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
     But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
     To know that for destruction ice
Is also great,
     And would suffice.

Footnotes

  1. If hate is ice, what else could ice be?

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
  2. The first-person speaker upholds the casual tone.

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
  3. Not only does desire rhyme with fire, but it’s also a metaphor for fire, suggesting that other human conditions, such as greed or bloodlust, could be used in place of fire.

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
  4. The apocalyptic theme and casual tone are seemingly incongruent, giving the speaker room to discuss an otherwise difficult subject.

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor
  5. These first few lines set up the poem's juxtaposition as the title suggests: fire and ice. Though not yet apparent, fire and ice represent a multitudinous array of metaphors and symbols.

    — Allegra Keys, Owl Eyes Editor