Head of Green Tresses
To L. I. Kashina
Head of Green Tresses - meaning Summary
Longing Addressed to a Birch
The speaker addresses a birch as a maiden, asking why it gazes toward the pond. The tree replies with a brief narrative: a shepherd wept by starlight, held the birch’s knees and sighed a seasonal farewell until the cranes return. The poem links human longing and transient love to the changing seasons, casting the birch as a sympathetic witness that preserves and repeats the memory of parting.
Read Complete AnalysesHead of green tresses And maiden breast, Why on the pond, birch, Your gaze do you rest? What does the wind whisper, Sand intone? In your braid-boughs will you Set a moon-comb? Your secret wood-thoughts Disclose to me! I love your sad tones On autumn eve. "Curious friend," in reply The birch said, "Tears here by starlight A shepherd shed. "The moon cast shadows Beneath green trees. He held me, clasping My bare knees. "And sighed, as my branches Rustled above: Till next year's cranes come Farewell, my love!'"
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