A poem called "The Stronger"?

Question

I once read a poem that, if I remember correctly, was like a dialogue between two women about a man they both loved. The two women were the husband's wife, and his mistress.

The wife said her love would prevail because they had a history together, and were completely comfortable with each other.

The mistress said she would win his heart because everything was new and exciting with her. She believed the man would eventually get bored with the wife.

I may not recall this poem exactly the way it was written. I read it around 1983; it was part of a collection of poems I had to read for college.

Anyone know the name, and author? Is it written online anywhere?

Answer 1

I think I read it in college (English major), but I have no idea where. It rings a bell because there was a particularly religious woman in the class who refused to attend the day we discussed it, as she found the idea of a mistress inappropriate. (She also skipped the whole week we spent on the Carpe Diem school of poetry because the intended seductions did not involve the reading of wedding banns.) I have about four different Norton Anthologies, and I will check them and see if I can find anything. I also have a book of poetry from a class which is all poems which are dialogues, and it would seem an appropriate fit for that, as well.

Wish me luck, and if I don't come back and add an EDIT to my answer, you'll know I didn't find anything.

Happy Thanksgiving, you expat!

Answer 2

This is stunningly beautiful. I have experienced "mortals filled with His light" right here! This reminds me of Hebrews 13:2 (I believe) about entertaining angels unawares. Love this!

Answer 3

You should check out along came you, I believe that was from a t.v. show, not a poem in the strictest sense.