With your head thrown backward
Bliss Carman's "With My Head Thrown Back" is a poem that explores the themes of self-discovery and introspection. The speaker of the poem reflects on their own identity and purpose, questioning what it means to be alive and how they can make the most of their time on earth. The poem begins with the lines "With my head thrown back, I shout / In the silent night" (lines 1-2), setting the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is not content to simply go through the motions of life; they want to truly live and experience everything that the world has to offer. Throughout the poem, Carman uses imagery and symbolism to convey the speaker's emotions and thoughts. For example, in line 5, the speaker says "I fling my arms wide / And laugh out loud" (lines 5-6), which evokes a sense of freedom and joy. In line 10, the speaker describes themselves as "A leaf on the bough of time" (line 10), which suggests a sense of fragility and impermanence. The poem also explores the idea of mortality, with the speaker acknowledging that their time on earth is limited. In line 17, they say "I know I have but a little while / To live my life" (lines 17-18), which emphasizes the urgency of living in the present moment. Overall, "With My Head Thrown Back" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that encourages readers to embrace their own identity and purpose. Through its use of imagery and symbolism, it explores themes of self-discovery, introspection, and mortality, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and contemplation.
By Bliss Carman · First published 1914 · Genre: Poetry, Late Victorian, Canadian Literature · 122 words
First lines
With your head thrown backward In my arm's safe hollow, And your face all rosy With the mounting fervour;
While the grave eyes greaten With the wise new wonder, Swimming in a love-mist Like the haze of Autumn;
From that throat, the throbbing Nightingale's for pleading, Wayward, soft, and welling Inarticulate love-notes,
Come the words that bubble Up through broken laughter, Sweeter than spring-water, "Gods, I am so happy! "
What this Textopian page supports
With your head thrown backward is listed on Textopian as a poem by Bliss Carman, dated 1914 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Bliss Carman
- Date: 1914 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Late Victorian, Canadian Literature
- Length: 122 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Confusing
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — Bliss Carman is primarily known for his work as a poet, and this collection contains lyrical language and focuses on themes such as nature and beauty.
- Late Victorian — The style and themes of the work reflect the period in which Bliss Carman lived and wrote, including an emphasis on aesthetic beauty.
- Canadian Literature — Being a Canadian poet, Carman's works are often representative of the natural beauty and landscapes of Canada, thus identifying the text as part of Canadian literature.
Tags
poetry · symbolism · nature · romanticism · canadian literature · 19th century literature · american literature · experimental poetry · surrealism · imagery · figurative language · metaphor