The Fingers of the Light
poem 1000
The Fingers of the Light - meaning Summary
Light as Intruder and Revelation
The poem personifies light as a polite but insistent visitor asking admission to a sleeping town. The town hesitates, asking the light to promise not to wake its faces, yet once admitted the light inevitably rouses everyone. The final images—an exuberant neighbor in a pool and a gnat raising a cup—show both large and tiny lives responding to illumination. The poem examines intrusion, revelation, and the irresistible effects of light.
Read Complete AnalysesThe Fingers of the Light Tapped soft upon the Town With I am great and cannot wait So therefore let me in. You’re soon, the Town replied, My Faces are asleep But swear, and I will let you by, You will not wake them up. The easy Guest complied But once within the Town The transport of His Countenance Awakened Maid and Man The Neighbor in the Pool Upon His Hip elate Made loud obeisance and the Gnat Held up His Cup for Light.
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