Lightning by D.H. Lawrence (1923)
The poem explores an intense moment of physical and emotional connection between two lovers, set against a backdrop of a stormy night. The speaker experiences a visceral reaction to the heartbeat of his partner, feeling a deep intertwining of their bodies and emotions. As they embrace, the warmth of her breath and the closeness of their flesh create a sense of intimacy. However, this moment is interrupted by a flash of lightning, revealing her face briefly, which is marked by fear and vulnerability. The juxtaposition of passion and dread highlights the complexity of their relationship. The speaker grapples with conflicting emotions, feeling both desire and resentment, as he is confronted with the fragility of their connection. The storm serves as a metaphor for the tumultuous nature of love, where moments of clarity are fleeting and often overshadowed by fear and uncertainty. Ultimately, the speaker's longing is tinged with a sense of helplessness, as he wishes to reclaim the intimacy before the darkness envelops them once more. The poem captures the tension between desire and fear, illustrating how love can be both exhilarating and daunting.
By D.H. Lawrence · First published 1923 · Genre: Fiction, Romance, Psychological · 365 words
First lines
I felt the lurch and halt of her heart Next my breast, where my own heart was beating; And I laughed to feel it plunge and bound, And strange in my blood-swept ears was the sound Of the words I kept repeating, Repeating with tightened arms, and the hot blood's blindfold art.
Her breath flew warm against my neck, Warm as a flame in the close night air; And the sense of her clinging flesh was sweet Where her arms and my neck's blood-surge could meet. Holding her thus, did I care That the black night hid her from me, blotted out every speck?
What this Textopian page supports
Lightning is listed on Textopian as a poem by D.H. Lawrence, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: D.H. Lawrence
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Romance, Psychological, Adventure, Nature
- Length: 365 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Lightning by D.H. Lawrence
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Lightning?
- How does this poem by D.H. Lawrence fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Transformations by D. H. Lawrence
- Narcissus by D. H. Lawrence
- Coming Awake by D. H. Lawrence
- Excursion by D. H. Lawrence
- Snap Dragon by D. H. Lawrence
- Submergence by D. H. Lawrence
Genres
- Fiction — D.H. Lawrence predominantly wrote fiction, and the book 'LIGHTNING' is also expected to be fiction considering the author's domain
- Romance — Lawrence's works often involve passion and romantic elements, it is likely 'LIGHTNING' may follow similar themes
- Psychological — D.H. Lawrence often emulates psychological themes within his works, portraying the complexities of human nature
- Adventure — Adding an adventurous element to the narrative is often seen in Lawrence's works including confrontation with nature, signified by the title 'LIGHTNING'
Tags
nature · spirituality · human experience · introspection · emotional conflict · symbolism · existentialism · relationships · self-discovery · transcendence · mythology · modernism