The Singer Will Not Sing
FOR A. L.
The Singer Will Not Sing - meaning Summary
Thwarted Voice and Promise
The poem depicts a woman who carries the promise of song and praise that never arrives. Angelic heralds and prophecies remain unused while her throat and mouth hold suppressed harmonies and new notes that cannot be voiced. Imagery of wings, trumpets and night birds contrasts expectation with physical silence. The closing line frames her condition as belated and isolated, suggesting loss, thwarted potential and lonely resignation.
Read Complete AnalysesA benison given. Unused, no angels promised, wings fluttering banal lies behind their sexlessness. No trumpets gloried prophecies of fabled fame. Yet harmonies waited in her stiff throat. New notes lay expectant on her stilled tongue. Her lips are ridged and fleshy. Purpled night birds snuggled to rest. The mouth seamed, voiceless. Sounds do not lift beyond those reddened walls. She came too late and lonely to this place.
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