Postlude by William Carlos Williams
The poem explores themes of love, desire, and the passage of time, juxtaposing the beauty of romantic connection with the inevitability of decay and loss. The speaker reflects on a cooled relationship, invoking imagery of ancient ruins and the remnants of past glory. The use of classical references, such as Carthage and Venus, emphasizes the intensity of passion and the complexity of human emotions. The speaker's longing is palpable, as they recall moments of intimacy and connection, symbolized through dance and shared experiences. The interplay of light and darkness, as well as the tension between desire and the fear of destruction, creates a rich emotional landscape. The poem captures the duality of love—its ability to uplift and its potential to wound. As the speaker grapples with their feelings, they acknowledge the power of their partner, who embodies both beauty and danger. The imagery of arrows and stars suggests a struggle against external forces that threaten their bond. The poem culminates in a vivid portrayal of desire, underscoring the speaker's vulnerability and the weight of their emotions. Overall, the work is a meditation on the complexities of love, the interplay of memory and desire, and the inevitable passage of time that shapes human relationships.
By William Carlos Williams · First published 1948 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism · 189 words
First lines
Now that I have cooled to you Let there be gold of tarnished masonry, Temples soothed by the sun to ruin That sleep utterly.
Give me hand for the dances, Ripples at Philae, in and out, And lips, my Lesbian, Wall flowers that once were flame.
Your hair is my Carthage And my arms the bow, And our words arrows To shoot the stars Who from that misty sea Swarm to destroy us.
But you there beside me -- Oh how shall I defy you, Who wound me in the night With breasts shining Like Venus and like Mars?
What this Textopian page supports
Postlude is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1948 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: 1948 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Modernism, Lyric, Imagism
- Length: 189 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Postlude by William Carlos Williams
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Postlude?
- How does this poem by William Carlos Williams fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Metric Figure by William Carlos Williams
- One Oclock At Night by Mina Loy
- First Praise by William Carlos Williams
- Poem by Maxwell Bodenheim
- Fragment Forty by Hilda Doolittle
- Woman Walking by William Carlos Williams
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem characterized by its use of imagery, metaphor, and emotional expression.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, desire, and nature are prevalent, aligning with Romantic ideals.
- Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes through its innovative style and exploration of complex emotions.
- Lyric — The personal and emotional nature of the poem fits the lyric genre, focusing on the speaker's feelings.
Tags
Modernist poetry · Experimental poetry · Free verse · American literature · 20th-century poetry · Poetic sequence · Autobiographical elements · Personal narrative · Stream-of-consciousness · Imagism · Objectivism · Surrealism