I Know this Vicious Minute's Hour
The poem explores the fleeting nature of time and life, where a minute can be an eternity and an hour can feel like a lifetime. It's a meditation on mortality, the passage of time, and the human experience of being trapped in the present moment. The speaker reflects on how quickly moments pass, leaving behind memories that are both precious and bittersweet.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1945 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Philosophical · 215 words
First lines
I know this vicious minute's hour; It is a sour motion in the blood, That, like a tree, has roots in you, And buds in you.
Each silver moment chimes in steps of sound, And I, caught in mid-air perhaps, Hear and am still the little bird.
You have offended, periodic heart; You I shall drown unreasonably,
Leave you in me to be found Darker than ever, Too full with blood to let my love flow in.
What this Textopian page supports
I Know this Vicious Minute's Hour is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1945 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Dylan Thomas
- Date: 1945 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Modernist, Philosophical, Psychological, Symbolism
- Length: 215 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing poetic devices such as metaphor, imagery, and rhythm.
- Modernist — The themes of existential reflection and the abstract exploration of time and reality align with Modernist literature.
- Philosophical — The text delves into philosophical questions about reality, existence, and the nature of time.
- Psychological — The introspective nature and exploration of internal emotions suggest a psychological dimension.
Tags
Poetry · Autobiographical · Confessional · Emotional · Intense · Personal · Reflective · Stream-of-consciousness · Symbolic · Imagery-rich · Lyrical · Expressive