Portent by William Carlos Williams
The poem explores themes of birth, potential, and the interplay between innocence and the forces of nature. It begins with a vivid image of a child sleeping in a "red cradle," symbolizing both safety and the nurturing aspect of night. The child, described as "dusky," suggests a connection to the earth and its primal elements. As the poem progresses, the child is depicted as growing in strength, with "sinew on sinew" indicating a physical and metaphorical accumulation of power. The imagery of winds blowing and alarms shouting introduces a sense of chaos and urgency, contrasting the peacefulness of the child's sleep. This tension between tranquility and disturbance reflects the duality of existence, where growth and potential are often accompanied by challenges and fears. The repetition of "Red cradle of the night" serves to anchor the poem, emphasizing the protective nature of the night while also hinting at the inevitable awakening of the child to the realities of the world. The child's eventual awakening is portrayed as a moment of transformation, where he stretches his arms, symbolizing readiness to face the world. Overall, the work encapsulates the journey from innocence to awareness, highlighting the inherent strength within the child and the tumultuous environment that surrounds him. The poem ultimately suggests that with growth comes the responsibility to navigate the complexities of life, underscoring the interplay between safety and the wildness of nature.
By William Carlos Williams · First published 1949 · Genre: Poetry, Modernism, Symbolism · 143 words
First lines
Red cradle of the night, In you The dusky child Sleeps fast till his might Shall be piled Sinew on sinew.
Red cradle of the night, The dusky child Sleeping sits upright.
Lo how The winds blow now!
He pillows back; The winds are again mild.
What this Textopian page supports
Portent is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1949 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: William Carlos Williams
- Date: 1949 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Modernism, Symbolism, Lyrical, Imagism
- Length: 143 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem characterized by its use of imagery, rhythm, and emotional expression.
- Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes such as the exploration of identity and the human experience.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols like 'red cradle' and 'dusky child' conveys deeper meanings and emotions.
- Lyrical — The poem has a personal and emotional tone, typical of lyrical poetry.
Tags
Modernist · Experimental · Poetry · American Literature · 20th Century · Symbolism · Imagery · Free Verse · Stream-of-Consciousness · Psychological Insight · Inner Life · Existential Themes