Imitation of a Song
Imitation of a Song - meaning Summary
Longing and Inevitable Loss
This poem traces a speaker’s sensual encounter and sudden loss. It opens with an intimate scene—horse drinking, a glimpse of a woman—then a thwarted attempt at a kiss as she rides away. Time passes; she is carried to burial, yet the speaker’s memory persists, imagining the same lively sound and movement amid funeral rites. The poem contrasts fleeting physical desire with persistent, grieving imagination.
Read Complete AnalysesYour harnessed horse drank water from your palms. Reflections of birches broke in the pond. I looked out the window at your blue headdress. The wind ruffled your black snakelike curls. I wanted, in the shimmering foamy streams, To tear a sharp kiss from your scarlet lips. But with a sly smile, splashing me, Reins ringing, you galloped away. In the yarn of sunny days time sewed a thread... They carried you past my windows to be buried. And, to the cry of dirges, to the canon of incense, Still I imagined that quiet uninhibited ringing.
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