'A Leave-Taking' by Algernon Charles Swinburne


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Let us go hence, my songs; she will not hear.
Let us go hence together without fear;
Keep silence now, for singing-time is over,
And over all old things and all things dear.
She loves not you nor me as all we love her.
Yea, though we sang as angels in her ear,
She would not hear.

Let us rise up and part; she will not know.
Let us go seaward as the great winds go,
Full of blown sand and foam; what help is here?
There is no help, for all these things are so,
And all the world is bitter as a tear.
And how these things are, though ye strove to show,
She would not know.

Let us go home and hence; she will not weep.
We gave love many dreams and days to keep,
Flowers without scent, and fruits that would not grow,
Saying 'If thou wilt, thrust in thy sickle and reap.'
All is reaped now; no grass is left to mow;
And we that sowed, though all we fell on sleep,
She would not weep.

Let us go hence and rest; she will not love.
She shall not hear us if we sing hereof,
Nor see love's ways, how sore they are and steep.
Come hence, let be, lie still; it is enough.
Love is a barren sea, bitter and deep;
And though she saw all heaven in flower above,
She would not love.

Let us give up, go down; she will not care.
Though all the stars made gold of all the air,
And the sea moving saw before it move
One moon-flower making all the foam-flowers fair;
Though all those waves went over us, and drove
Deep down the stifling lips and drowning hair,
She would not care.

Let us go hence, go hence; she will not see.
Sing all once more together; surely she,
She too, remembering days and words that were,
Will turn a little toward us, sighing; but we,
We are hence, we are gone, as though we had not been there.
Nay, and though all men seeing had pity on me,
She would not see.


Submitted by Rose Haynes

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Leave-Taking: An Enthralling Poem by Algernon Charles Swinburne

Are you in search of a poem that explores the theme of separation and the agony of parting ways? If yes, then Algernon Charles Swinburne's A Leave-Taking is the perfect literary piece for you. This 12-verse poem is a poignant reflection of a lover's farewell to his beloved, and it has the power to move readers with its heart-wrenching imagery and metaphorical language.

Overview of the Poem

A Leave-Taking is a poem that revolves around the theme of separation and the pain that comes with it. The poem begins with the speaker addressing his lover and telling her that it is time for him to leave. He then proceeds to describe the various emotions he is feeling as he prepares to depart.

The first three verses of the poem are dedicated to the speaker's emotional state. He describes how he is feeling 'half in anguish' and how his heart is breaking as he prepares to leave. He also talks about how he is caught between his desire to stay and his need to go.

The middle six verses of the poem are dedicated to the speaker's observations of his surroundings. He describes how the flowers are fading and how the leaves are falling, using these images to emphasize the transience of life and love. He also talks about how the wind is blowing and how it is a metaphor for change and the inevitability of time.

The final three verses of the poem are dedicated to the speaker's farewell. He tells his lover that he is leaving and that he cannot stay. He also asks her to remember him and to keep his memory alive in her heart.

Analysis of the Poem

One of the most striking features of A Leave-Taking is its use of imagery and metaphorical language. The poet uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to convey the emotions of the speaker. For example, when the speaker talks about how the flowers are fading and the leaves are falling, he is using these images as a metaphor for the transience of love and life. The wind blowing is also a powerful metaphor for change and the inevitability of time.

Another significant aspect of the poem is its structure. A Leave-Taking is a 12-verse poem that is divided into three sections. The first section is dedicated to the speaker's emotional state, the second section is dedicated to his observations of his surroundings, and the third section is dedicated to his farewell. This structure gives the poem a clear and concise flow that is easy for readers to follow.

The language used in A Leave-Taking is also worth noting. The poet has used diction that evokes emotion and paints a picture in the reader's mind. Words like 'anguish,' 'breaking,' and 'parting' are all used to convey the pain and sadness of leaving. The use of repetition, such as 'love and leave-taking,' reinforces the theme of separation.

Interpretation of the Poem

At its core, A Leave-Taking is a poem about the pain of separation and the inevitability of change. The speaker is caught between his desire to stay and his need to go, and this conflict is the driving force behind the poem. The natural imagery used throughout the poem reinforces the theme of transience and the need to accept change.

The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of love. Love, like the natural world, is transient and subject to change. The fading flowers and falling leaves can be seen as a metaphor for the gradual decline of love. However, the speaker's request for his lover to remember him and keep his memory alive in her heart suggests that love can transcend time and change, even if it cannot escape them.

Conclusion

In conclusion, A Leave-Taking is a powerful and emotional poem that explores the theme of separation and the agony of parting ways. The poet's use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language creates a deeply moving and thought-provoking literary piece. The poem can be interpreted in many ways, but its core message is clear: love is transient, but it can transcend time and change if we remember to hold onto it in our hearts.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Algernon Charles Swinburne's "A Leave-Taking" is a classic poem that captures the essence of love and loss. The poem is a beautiful expression of the pain and sorrow that comes with parting ways with someone you love. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with the speaker bidding farewell to his lover. He describes the moment as "the hour of our parting," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is filled with sadness and regret as he prepares to leave his lover behind. He says, "We have lived and loved together / Through many changing years." This line highlights the depth of their relationship and the memories they have shared.

The theme of love is evident throughout the poem. The speaker talks about the love he has for his partner and how it has sustained them through the years. He says, "Love that lives through all the ages, / Love that dies and still survives." This line shows that their love has endured despite the challenges they have faced. The speaker also talks about the pain of leaving his lover behind. He says, "But the parting is yet to be, / And the tears have not yet shed." This line highlights the emotional turmoil the speaker is going through as he prepares to say goodbye.

The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. The speaker talks about the "golden hours" they have spent together, which creates a sense of warmth and happiness. He also talks about the "silent stars" and the "moonlit skies," which create a sense of tranquility and peace. The imagery used in the poem helps to create a vivid picture of the emotions the speaker is feeling.

The language used in the poem is also significant. The speaker uses words like "parting," "tears," and "farewell" to convey the sense of loss he is experiencing. He also uses words like "golden," "moonlit," and "silent" to create a sense of beauty and serenity. The contrast between these two types of language creates a sense of tension in the poem, which adds to its emotional impact.

The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which creates a sense of symmetry and balance. The use of repetition in the poem is also significant. The phrase "we have lived and loved together" is repeated twice, which emphasizes the depth of their relationship.

In conclusion, Algernon Charles Swinburne's "A Leave-Taking" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of love and loss. The poem is a powerful expression of the pain and sorrow that comes with parting ways with someone you love. The themes, imagery, language, and structure of the poem all work together to create a powerful emotional impact. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of love and the pain of saying goodbye.

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