Ardella Analysis

I would liken you

To a night without stars

Were it not for your eyes.

I would liken you

To a sleep without dreams

Were it not for your songs.

.: :.

This poem can be seen in light of the Harlem Renaissance (1920s).

| Posted on 2008-09-29 | by a guest

.: :.

Simple but beautiful. Probably Hughes comparing a women to a near-spotless night, and her eyes to the lone stars. That's beautiful as if to say, her body is clear as a cloudless sky, and the only things that might be blemishes are her eyes, which are too beautiful to really be dubbed negative.

Comparing her to the relaxing peace of mind found in sleep, or maybe noting that the calmness of the night (her demeanor) is so unnmoving he can easily rest whenever he is around her. (It's amazing how me managed to say so much with so little!) And lastly, her songs catch his attention, preventing him from accepting that calmness and falling asleep.

In other words, Hughes is saying the woman is entrancing. How else do you describe someone who's like a lullaby and a wake-up call at the same time? In the time it takes to wake up or fall asleep you're unable to do anything else but remain where you where in the first place.

The woman's name was Ardella, apparently. This would make a beautiful pick-up line or compliment for the creatively-challenged.

| Posted on 2005-07-06 | by Chihuahuii