Woman Walking
The poem presents a vivid scene of a woman walking through a village, characterized by a blend of natural and architectural imagery. The setting is described with a focus on colors and shapes, creating a backdrop of a misty landscape. The speaker observes the woman with admiration, noting her physical attributes and the strength she embodies as she carries a heavy basket. The speaker expresses a desire to see her more often, suggesting a connection that goes beyond mere acquaintance. The woman's presence is depicted as a source of vitality and warmth in the otherwise muted environment. The speaker's reflections reveal an appreciation for her character, emphasizing her kindness and strength. The poem captures a moment of recognition and longing, intertwining the beauty of the woman's form with the simplicity of her task. The imagery evokes a sense of intimacy and familiarity, highlighting the speaker's admiration for her resilience and the mundane yet profound nature of their interactions. The work ultimately celebrates the everyday life and the connections formed within it, illustrating how ordinary moments can carry deeper significance.
By William Carlos Williams · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, Modernism, Imagism · 224 words
First lines
An oblique cloud of purple smoke across a milky silhouette of house sides and tiny trees -- a little village -- that ends in a saw edge of mist-covered trees on a sheet of grey sky.
To the right, jutting in, a dark crimson corner of roof.
To the left, half a tree: -what a blessing it is to see you in the street again, powerful woman, coming with swinging haunches, breasts straight forward, supple shoulders, full arms and strong, soft hands (I've felt them) carrying the heavy basket.
I might well see you oftener!
What this Textopian page supports
Woman Walking is listed on Textopian as a poem by William Carlos Williams, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Modernism, Imagism, Narrative, Lyrical
- Length: 224 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing imagery and rhythm characteristic of poetry.
- Modernism — The poem reflects modernist themes of perception and the everyday experience, focusing on a moment in time.
- Imagism — The vivid imagery and focus on visual details align with the principles of Imagism.
- Narrative — The poem tells a brief story about the woman and the speaker's observations and feelings.
Tags
Modernist poetry · Stream-of-consciousness narrative · Free verse · Imagism · American literature · 20th-century poetry · Poetic sequence · Autobiographical elements · Personal narrative · Domestic life · Marriage · Family dynamics