Riding on the shell and shot. He smites you down, he succours you, and where you seek him, he is not

Riding on the shell and shot. He smites you down, he succours you, and where you seek him, he is not

Robert Graves was a prolific writer and poet known for his unique style and deep exploration of themes such as love, war, and mythology. One of his most famous works, "The White Goddess," delves into the complexities of the divine feminine and the power of the natural world. In this context, the line "Riding on the shell and shot. He smites you down, he succours you, and where you seek him, he is not" takes on a profound and enigmatic meaning.

The image of riding on the shell and shot evokes a sense of chaos and destruction, as if one is being carried along by the forces of war and violence. Graves often explored the darker aspects of human nature in his work, and this line reflects his fascination with the dualities of life – the light and the dark, the good and the evil.

The idea of being smitten down and succored speaks to the cyclical nature of existence – the constant ebb and flow of life and death, creation and destruction. Graves believed in the power of the natural world to both harm and heal, to bring about both suffering and salvation. This duality is reflected in the line, as it suggests that even in the midst of chaos and turmoil, there is still the possibility of redemption and renewal.

The final part of the line, "and where you seek him, he is not," adds a layer of mystery and ambiguity to the poem. It suggests that the divine presence, or the source of comfort and guidance, is elusive and difficult to pin down. Graves often explored the idea of the unknowable and the ineffable in his work, and this line is a perfect example of his fascination with the mysteries of existence.

Overall, the line "Riding on the shell and shot. He smites you down, he succours you, and where you seek him, he is not" encapsulates many of the themes and ideas that Robert Graves was known for. It is a powerful and enigmatic statement that invites the reader to ponder the complexities of life, death, and the divine.