Poem Analysis - On A Wedding Anniversary

Introduction: A Shattered Celebration

Dylan Thomas's "On a Wedding Anniversary" is a bleak and sorrowful reflection on the disintegration of love. The poem opens with violent imagery and maintains a somber tone throughout, charting the descent from harmony to devastating separation. There's a palpable sense of regret and despair that permeates the verses, creating a haunting portrait of a love lost. The poem offers a stark contrast to the typical celebratory nature associated with anniversaries, presenting instead a scene of destruction and emotional wreckage.

The Haunting Presence of Death

One of the most prominent themes in the poem is mortality and the destructive power of time. The lines "Carrying cloud, Death strikes their house" directly introduce death as an active and malevolent force impacting the relationship. This isn't a gentle fading away; it's an aggressive intrusion. The "torn" sky in the opening line suggests a world fractured and vulnerable, foreshadowing the impending doom. The image of "Love and his patients roar on a chain" further suggests a love that has become a burden and a source of suffering, bound and tormented.

Love's Transformation: From Harmony to Loss

The poem explores the theme of the decay of love, moving from initial harmony to utter desolation. The phrase "moved for three years in tune" evokes a sense of synchronicity and shared purpose, a stark contrast to the present state of affairs where "their love lies a loss." This shift highlights the transient nature of love and the devastating consequences when it fades. The poem powerfully illustrates how something once beautiful and harmonious can become a source of pain and regret. The "long walks of their vows" suggest a journey undertaken with commitment, now reduced to a memory tainted by present sorrow.

The Crushing Weight of Isolation

Another key theme is the isolation and alienation experienced by the couple. Despite being together, they are ultimately separated by their failing love. The lines "They come together whom their love parted" poignantly capture this paradox. They are physically present but emotionally distant, divided by the very bond that once united them. The imagery of "windows pour[ing] into their heart/And the doors burn[ing] in their brain" suggests an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and psychological torment. The outside world, instead of offering solace, invades their innermost being, amplifying their suffering.

Symbols of Destruction and Invasion

The poem is rich in symbolic imagery. The "torn" sky represents a world in disarray and foreshadows the couple's broken relationship. The rain, usually associated with cleansing and renewal, is described as the "wrong rain," implying that it brings not healing but further suffering. The windows and doors, typically seen as entry points to a home and heart, become avenues of destruction, with the windows "pour[ing] into their heart" and the doors "burn[ing] in their brain." These images create a sense of being overwhelmed and invaded, highlighting the destructive impact of the failed relationship. Perhaps the burning doors also imply a point of no return, a path forward blocked by the wreckage of their love.

Conclusion: A Lament for Lost Love

"On a Wedding Anniversary" is a powerful and unsettling poem that explores the disintegration of love and the crushing weight of loss. Through vivid imagery and a somber tone, Dylan Thomas paints a bleak portrait of a relationship destroyed by time and circumstance. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of love and the enduring pain of its absence, transforming what should be a celebration into a lament. It leaves the reader contemplating the impermanence of even the most profound connections and the enduring scars left by broken promises.