A Kiss by Thomas Hardy (1912)
The poem explores the ephemeral nature of a kiss, emphasizing its spontaneous and unplanned origin. It begins with a description of a specific location where a kiss was exchanged, highlighting the anonymity of the place, now overgrown with ivy. The kiss, once vibrant and alive, has vanished into the ether, leaving no trace behind. The speaker reflects on the kiss's journey, suggesting that it continues to exist in some intangible form, part of a larger continuum of experiences and emotions. The work delves into themes of memory, transience, and the enduring impact of fleeting moments. The kiss symbolizes a connection between individuals, yet its physical manifestation is lost to time. The speaker acknowledges that while the kiss cannot be reclaimed, its essence persists, echoing through the universe. This notion of an eternal, ungraspable quality of love and intimacy resonates throughout the poem, inviting contemplation on the nature of human connections and the ways in which they transcend physical existence. Ultimately, the piece serves as a meditation on the significance of seemingly trivial moments, suggesting that even the most transient experiences can leave a lasting imprint on the soul. The kiss, though gone, remains a part of the speaker's consciousness, illustrating the profound impact of love and affection, regardless of their fleeting nature.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1912 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric · 150 words
First lines
BY a wall the stranger now calls his, Was born of old a particular kiss, Without forethought in its genesis; Which in a trice took wing on the air. And where that spot is nothing shows: There ivy calmly grows, And no one knows What a birth was there!
That kiss is gone where none can tell- Not even those who felt its spell: It cannot have died; that know we well. Somewhere it pursues its flight, One of a long procession of sounds Travelling aethereal rounds Far from earth's bounds In the infinite.
What this Textopian page supports
A Kiss is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1912 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1912 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Lyric, Philosophical, Symbolism
- Length: 150 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as imagery and metaphor.
- Romanticism — The themes of love and the ephemeral nature of emotions align with Romantic ideals.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal feelings and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Philosophical — The exploration of existence and the nature of experiences suggests philosophical themes.
Tags
love · romance · betrayal · desire · heartbreak · passion · relationships · society · class · fate · longing · emotion