Yet, Yet, Ye Downcast Hours
Yet, Yet, Ye Downcast Hours - meaning Summary
Addressing Persistent Despair
Whitman addresses recurring gloom and the heaviness of material existence, acknowledging how despair clings like lead. Voices of lovers, the anxious departing sea, and questions about aging and destiny press in. The speaker recognizes others' fear and uncertainty—young and old asking where life leads—but admits he cannot answer their questions. The poem balances empathy with an acceptance of limits, framing fate as an onward, conquering matter beyond consolations.
Read Complete Analyses1 YET, yet, ye downcast hours, I know ye also; Weights of lead, how ye clog and cling at my ankles! Earth to a chamber of mourning turns—I hear the o’erweening, mocking voice, Matter is conqueror—matter, triumphant only, continues onward. 2 Despairing cries float ceaselessly toward me, The call of my nearest lover, putting forth, alarm’d, uncertain, The Sea I am quickly to sail, come tell me, Come tell me where I am speeding—tell me my destination. 3 I understand your anguish, but I cannot help you, I approach, hear, behold—the sad mouth, the look out of the eyes, your mute inquiry, Whither I go from the bed I recline on, come tell me: Old age, alarm’d, uncertain—A young woman’s voice, appealing to me for comfort; A young man’s voice, Shall I not escape?
Feel free to be first to leave comment.