William Carlos Williams

The Uses of Poetry

The Uses of Poetry - meaning Summary

Poetry as Restorative Escape

The poem presents a speaker who looks forward to reading a woman’s poetry while drifting through a calm, natural scene. Faced with minor rural troubles, they choose deliberate sensory withdrawal and imaginative immersion. Poetry is depicted as a transforming, restorative force that transports readers to distant worlds where sorrow is eased. The tone is tranquil and restorative, valuing art’s capacity to console and reshape perception.

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I've fond anticipation of a day O'erfilled with pure diversion presently, For I must read a lady poesy The while we glide by many a leafy bay, Hid deep in rushes, where at random play The glossy black winged May-flies, or whence flee Hush-throated nestlings in alarm, Whom we have idly frighted with our boat's long sway. For, lest o'ersaddened by such woes as spring To rural peace from our meek onward trend, What else more fit? We'll draw the latch-string And close the door of sense; then satiate wend, On poesy's transforming giant wing, To worlds afar whose fruits all anguish mend.

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