Some Eyes Condemn by Edward Thomas
The poem explores the varied perceptions and reactions individuals have towards the world around them. It begins by contrasting different attitudes: some people condemn their surroundings, while others wait for deeper understanding. There are those who dismiss life as folly, and one individual who laughs, yet finds nothing truly amusing. The speaker reflects on the diversity of human experience, noting how some eyes express joy, curiosity, or confusion, while others reveal a deeper emotional connection. The speaker's observations are personal and intimate, revealing a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire. The mention of "loving died" suggests a transient nature of relationships and the impact of gaze and connection. Ultimately, the speaker is captivated by the eyes of a beloved, which evoke a powerful response, igniting a sense of vulnerability and intensity. The poem culminates in a moment of silence and awe, emphasizing the profound effect that love and perception can have on one's existence.
By Edward Thomas · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical · 145 words
First lines
Some eyes condemn the earth they gaze upon:
Some wait patiently till they know far more Than earth can tell them: some laugh at the whole As folly of another's making: one I knew that laughed because he saw, from core To rind, not one thing worth the laugh his soul Had ready at waking: some eyes have begun With laughing; some stand startled at the door.
Others, too, I have seen rest, question, roll, Dance, shoot. And many I have loved watching. Some I could not take my eyes from till they turned And loving died. I had not found my goal.
But thinking of your eyes, dear, I become Dumb: for they flamed, and it was me they burned.
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Some Eyes Condemn is listed on Textopian as a poem by Edward Thomas, dated 1917 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Edward Thomas
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Philosophical, Romanticism, Nature
- Length: 145 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing poetic devices and exploring deep emotional and philosophical themes.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, focusing on the speaker's emotional response to the eyes of others.
- Philosophical — The themes delve into existential questions about perception, understanding, and the nature of existence.
- Romanticism — The work reflects romantic ideals, emphasizing individual emotion and the beauty of personal connections.
Tags
Literary Fiction · Social Commentary · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Morality Tale · Philosophical Themes · Existential Crisis · Human Condition · Emotional Depth · Complex Characters · Inner Turmoil · External Pressures