A Poet by Thomas Hardy (1917)
The poem explores the life and legacy of a poet who values authenticity over societal acclaim. The poet is depicted as indifferent to the opinions of the elite and the superficiality of fame. He does not seek validation through wealth or social status, nor does he require the attention of admirers or critics. Instead, his focus lies in the genuine connections he forms, particularly with two women who love him deeply. As the poem progresses, it reflects on the inevitability of death and the poet's eventual passing. The speaker invites readers to remember the poet not for his accolades or public recognition but for the love he received from those close to him. The emphasis is on the personal impact he had on the lives of others rather than his literary achievements. The imagery of the graveside visit serves as a poignant reminder of mortality and the enduring nature of love. The speaker suggests that the true measure of the poet's life is found in the affection of those who cared for him, rather than in the fleeting praise of the world. This highlights a central theme: the contrast between societal values and personal connections. Ultimately, the work champions the idea that a meaningful life is defined by love and relationships rather than fame or fortune. The poet's legacy is encapsulated in the simple acknowledgment of the two women who cherished him, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from deep emotional bonds rather than external validation.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1917 · Genre: Poetry, Lyric, Elegy · 158 words
First lines
ATTENTIVE eyes, fantastic heed, / Assessing minds, he does not need, / Nor urgent writs to sup or dine, / Nor pledges in the roseate wine.
For loud acclaim he does not care / By the august or rich or fair, / Nor for smart pilgrims from afar, / Curious on where his hauntings are.
But soon or later, when you hear / That he has doffed this wrinkled gear, / Some evening, at the first star-ray, / Come to his graveside, pause and say:
"Whatever the message his to tell, / Two bright-souled women loved him well. " / Stand and say that amid the dim: / It will be praise enough for him.
What this Textopian page supports
A Poet is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Hardy, dated 1917 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: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Lyric, Elegy, Romanticism, Victorian Literature
- Length: 158 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that explores themes of love, legacy, and the nature of artistic recognition.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Elegy — The poem reflects on death and remembrance, fitting the elegiac tradition.
- Romanticism — The themes of individualism and emotional depth align with Romantic literary ideals.
Tags
poetry · literature · romanticism · nature · emotion · art · creativity · identity · struggle · inspiration · expression · human experience