Poem Analysis - Homage To Sextus Propertius 7

Initial Impressions

Ezra Pound's "Homage to Sextus Propertius - 7" is a passionate and sensual exploration of love and desire. The poem's tone is initially celebratory and intimate, capturing the ecstasy of a shared night between lovers. However, it shifts to a more urgent and melancholic mood, reflecting on the fleeting nature of love and the inevitability of change. The poem's free verse form allows for a fluid and dynamic expression of these themes, mirroring the unpredictable nature of love itself.

Themes of Love and Desire

The poem is deeply rooted in the theme of love and desire, which is evident from the opening lines. The speaker's happiness is tied to the night and the pleasures it brings, suggesting a strong emotional and physical connection with a lover. The imagery of "bared breasts" and "kisses, how many, lingering on my lips" underscores the intensity of their passion. The speaker's plea to "sate we our eyes with love" emphasizes the desire to fully immerse oneself in the experience of love, to the point of excess.

Mortality and the Passage of Time

The theme of mortality and the passage of time is interwoven with the theme of love. The speaker acknowledges the transient nature of their happiness, noting that "long night comes upon you and a day when no day returns." This suggests an awareness of the inevitable end of their love, whether through death or separation. The speaker's invocation of the gods to "lay chains upon us" so that their love remains unbroken is a poignant acknowledgment of the fragility of human connections. The lines "The fish shall swim in dry streams" and "Dry wreaths drop their petals" further emphasize the theme of decay and the passage of time.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The poem is rich with vivid imagery and recurring symbols that contribute to its themes. The "night full of brightness" and "abundant candles" symbolize the illumination and clarity that love brings, even in the darkness. The "changing arms" and "varied embraces" suggest the dynamic and ever-changing nature of love. The mythological references to Paris and Helen, and Endymion and Diana, serve as examples of love's transformative power and its ability to defy conventional boundaries. The "great breath of lovers" and the "stalks woven in baskets" are metaphors for the fleeting nature of love's intensity and the inevitable decline that follows.

Conclusion

In "Homage to Sextus Propertius - 7," Ezra Pound explores the complex and often contradictory nature of love. The poem's celebration of sensual pleasure is tempered by a deep awareness of love's transience and the inevitability of change. Through vivid imagery and recurring symbols, Pound captures the essence of love's intensity and its fleeting nature, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience of desire and loss. The poem ultimately serves as a reminder to cherish the moments of love and passion, even as we acknowledge their impermanence.