The poem explores the speaker's longing for a lost love who has left Ithaca, a place of departure and return. The speaker reflects on their time together, recalling moments of joy and sorrow. They acknowledge that the relationship was marked by impermanence and separation, but also by a deep emotional connection. The poem is structured around the idea of return, with the speaker reflecting on what they will find when they return to Ithaca. They consider the possibility of finding their lost love again, but ultimately conclude that this is unlikely. Throughout the poem, the speaker grapples with the complexities of memory and longing. They acknowledge that memories can be both comforting and painful, and that the act of remembering can be a bittersweet experience. The poem's themes are characterized by a sense of melancholy and introspection, as the speaker comes to terms with the loss of their love. The tone is contemplative and reflective, inviting the reader to consider the complexities of human emotion and relationships.
By Hilda Doolittle · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Classical Mythology, Modernist Literature