I, Poor Romantic, Held her Heel
The poem explores the speaker's obsessive love for a woman and his desire to hold onto her physically and emotionally. The speaker's actions are driven by a sense of desperation and longing, as he clings to her heel in an attempt to maintain contact with her. The poem delves into themes of love, possession, and the fragility of human relationships.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1946 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 214 words
First lines
I, poor romantic, held her heel Upon the island of my palm, And saw towards her tiny face Going her glistening calves that minute.
There was a purpose in her pointed foot; Her thighs and underclothes were sweet, And drew my spiral breath To circumambulate for decency Their golden and their other colour.
The band was playing on the balcony.
One lady's hand was lifted, But she did not cry, ‘I see; I see the man is mad with love. ' Her fan burst in a million lights
What this Textopian page supports
I, Poor Romantic, Held her Heel is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1946 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: 1946 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Symbolism, Surrealism
- Length: 214 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as imagery, metaphor, and rhythm.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and emotion are central, reflecting the romantic idealization of the subject.
- Modernism — The poem exhibits modernist characteristics through its abstract imagery and exploration of subjective experience.
- Symbolism — The use of symbolic imagery, such as the heel and the insect, conveys deeper meanings beyond the literal.
Tags
Poetic Fiction · Romance · Literary Fiction · Short Story Collection · Wales-set · 20th Century Literature · Classic Novel · Emotional Drama · Relationships · Love Story · Heartbreak · Loss