Retrospect
In your arms was still delight,
Quiet as a street at night;
And thoughts of you, I do remember,
Were green leaves in a darkened chamber,
Were dark clouds in a moonless sky.
Love, in you, went passing by,
Penetrative, remote, and rare,
Like a bird in the wide air,
And, as the bird, it left no trace
In the heaven of your face.
In your stupidity I found
The sweet hush after a sweet sound.
All about you was the light
That dims the greying end of night;
Desire was the unrisen sun,
Joy the day not yet begun,
With tree whispering to tree,
Without wind, quietly.
Wisdom slept within your hair,
And Long-Suffering was there,
And, in the flowing of your dress,
Undiscerning Tenderness.
And when you thought, it seemed to me,
Infinitely, and like a sea,
About the slight world you had known
Your vast unconsciousness was thrown. . . .O haven without wave or tide!
Silence, in which all songs have died!
Holy book, where hearts are still!
And home at length under the hill!
O mother quiet, breasts of peace,
Where love itself would faint and cease!
O infinite deep I never knew,
I would come back, come back to you,
Find you, as a pool unstirred,
Kneel down by you, and never a word,
Lay my head, and nothing said,
In your hands, ungarlanded;
And a long watch you would keep;
And I should sleep, and I should sleep!
Understanding “Retrospect” (a Modern Poem)
“Retrospect” is a poignant and deeply personal poem that explores the enduring power of a mother’s love and the serenity found in cherished memories. It is a nostalgic reflection on the speaker’s mother, portraying her not simply as a parental figure but as a source of peace, wisdom, and unconditional love. It’s a heartfelt tribute to her quiet strength and the profound impact she had on the speaker’s life. The title itself signals that the poem is a looking back, a revisiting of the past to find meaning and comfort.
Central Idea and Summary
At its heart, “Retrospect” is a celebration of maternal love and the lasting impression it leaves on a child. The speaker vividly recalls the feeling of being enveloped in his mother’s comfort and the sense of security she provided. The poem isn’t about grand gestures or explicit declarations of affection; instead, it focuses on the subtle, almost ethereal qualities of his mother’s presence—her quiet wisdom, her unwavering patience, and the peaceful atmosphere she created. The poem shifts from describing these gentle qualities to expressing a yearning for the solace and completeness found in her presence, particularly in the face of life’s uncertainties. The speaker finds immense comfort simply being with his mother, a desire for complete stillness and rest within her peaceful aura.
What Makes This Poem Notable?
“Retrospect” stands out for its delicate imagery, its use of evocative language, and its ability to capture the complex emotions associated with memory and loss. The poet doesn’t rely on sentimental clichés; instead, he employs striking metaphors and similes to convey the depth of his feelings. The poem’s quiet intensity and understated beauty make it a powerful and moving tribute to the enduring bond between mother and child.
In-Depth Analysis of Poetic Techniques
Imagery and Figurative Language
The poet masterfully uses imagery to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. He doesn’t simply tell us about his mother; he shows us, using sensory details and figurative language to paint a picture of her presence.
Consider the opening lines: “In your arms was still delight, / Quiet as a street at night.” The simile comparing his mother’s embrace to a quiet street immediately establishes a sense of peace and tranquility. This isn’t a bustling, chaotic comfort; it’s a serene, restful stillness. The image evokes a sense of safety and security, suggesting that his mother’s arms were a refuge from the outside world.
Later, he writes: “And thoughts of you, I do remember, / Were green leaves in a darkened chamber, / Were dark clouds in a moonless sky.” These striking metaphors are not about literal leaves or clouds; they represent the complexities and nuances of his memories. The “darkened chamber” and “moonless sky” suggest a sense of mystery and depth, while the “green leaves” hint at growth and renewal. The imagery is not solely positive; the darkness introduces a hint of melancholy, suggesting that even cherished memories can be tinged with sadness.
The comparison of love to a bird – “Like a bird in the wide air” – is also significant. Birds symbolize freedom and grace, but also remoteness and transience. The line “And, as the bird, it left no trace / In the heaven of your face” implies that his mother’s love was a gentle, almost imperceptible force, yet profoundly impactful. It didn’t demand attention but permeated his being.
Simile and Metaphor: Distinguishing the Devices
It’s important to understand the difference between simile and metaphor. A simile directly compares two things using “like” or “as.” For instance, “Quiet as a street at night.” A metaphor, on the other hand, implies a comparison without using these words, stating that one thing is another. “Thoughts of you… were green leaves…” is a metaphor. Both devices enrich the poem’s imagery and convey meaning beyond the literal.
Personification
The poet also uses personification—giving human qualities to inanimate objects—to enhance the poem’s emotional impact. He writes, “Desire was the unrisen sun, / Joy the day not yet begun.” Desire and joy are abstract concepts, but the poet treats them as if they are tangible entities, capable of rising and beginning. This personification reinforces the idea that these emotions are powerful and life‑giving forces.
Sound Devices: Alliteration and Internal Rhyme
Beyond imagery, the poet employs sound devices to create a musicality and enhance the poem’s emotional resonance. Notice the alliteration in lines like, “With tree whispering to tree, / Without wind, quietly.” The repetition of the “w” sound creates a sense of gentle movement and reinforces the peaceful atmosphere. While the poem primarily relies on end rhyme, there’s a subtle use of internal rhyme, like in “Lay my head, and nothing said,” contributing to its lyrical quality.
Structure and Form
“Retrospect” is written in free verse, meaning it doesn’t adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or metrical pattern. However, there’s still a subtle rhythm and musicality created through the use of repetition, alliteration, and carefully chosen words. The poem is divided into two stanzas, with the first focusing on memories of his mother and the second expressing a yearning for her presence. The shift in focus is marked by a change in tone, from gentle reminiscence to heartfelt longing. The longer first stanza allows for a detailed depiction of memories, while the shorter second stanza emphasizes the speaker’s desperate need for the peace he found with his mother.
The Poem’s Emotional Arc
The poem’s emotional arc begins with a sense of peaceful contentment, then gradually shifts towards a feeling of profound loss and yearning. The initial stanzas are filled with gentle images of his mother’s quiet strength and unconditional love. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker’s longing becomes more intense, culminating in a desire to return to the comfort and security of her embrace. The final lines express a deep desire for stillness and rest, suggesting that he finds ultimate peace only in her presence. This emotional progression makes the poem all the more poignant and relatable.
Using “Retrospect” for Inspiration
“Retrospect” is a beautiful and moving poem that explores universal themes of love, loss, and memory. It is a testament to the enduring power of a mother’s love and the lasting impact she has on her children. Whether you’re a poet, a writer, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful language, “Retrospect” offers valuable insights into the art of crafting meaningful and evocative poetry. Its delicate imagery, subtle rhythms, and heartfelt emotions make it a truly unforgettable work of art.