Request to Leda (Homage to William Empson)
The poem explores the mythological figure of Leda and her relationships with Zeus and his sons, Castor and Pollux. It delves into themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human emotions. The speaker reflects on the consequences of Zeus's actions and the resulting family dynamics, highlighting the tension between fate and personal responsibility.
By Dylan Thomas · First published 1958 · Genre: Poetry, Modernist, Literary · 103 words
First lines
Not your winged lust but his must now change suit / The harp-waked Casanova wakes no change / The worm is (pinpoint) rational in the fruit.
Not girl for bird (gourd being man) breaks root.
Taking no plume for index in love's change / Not your winged lust but his must now change suit.
Desire is phosphorous: the chemic bruit / Lust bears like volts, who'll amplify, and strange / The worm is (pinpoint) rational in the fruit.
What this Textopian page supports
Request to Leda (Homage to William Empson) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Dylan Thomas, dated 1958 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: 1958 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Modernist, Literary, Philosophical
- Length: 103 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, utilizing poetic devices such as rhyme, meter, and metaphor.
- Modernist — The themes and style reflect modernist characteristics, including complex imagery and a focus on internal states.
- Literary — The text emphasizes language and style, prioritizing artistic expression over straightforward narrative.
- Philosophical — The poem explores abstract concepts such as desire and change, prompting reflection on human nature.
Tags
Poetry · Symbolism · Mythology · Greek Mythology · Allusion · Imagery · Metaphor · Personification · Allegory · Literary Device · Figurative Language · Enigmatic