The poem
I knew a woman, lovely in her bones, When small birds sighed, she would sigh back at them; Ah, when she moved, she moved more ways than one: The shapes a bright container can contain! Of her choice virtues only gods should speak, Or English poets who grew up on Greek (I'd have them sing in chorus, cheek to cheek.)
How well her wishes went! She stroked my chin, She taught me Turn, and Counter-turn, and stand; She taught me Touch, that undulant white skin: I nibbled meekly from her proffered hand; She was the sickle; I, poor I, the rake, Coming behind her for her pretty sake (But what prodigious mowing did we make.)
Love likes a gander, and adores a goose: Her full lips pursed, the errant note to seize; She played it quick, she played it light and loose; My eyes, they dazzled at her flowing knees; Her several parts could keep a pure repose, Or one hip quiver with a mobile nose (She moved in circles, and those circles moved.)
Let seed be grass, and grass turn into hay: I'm martyr to a motion not my own; What's freedom for? To know eternity. I swear she cast a shadow white as stone. But who would count eternity in days? These old bones live to learn her wanton ways: (I measure time by how a body sways.)
This poeom and many sexual overtones. The speaker is describing, in great detail, his lover. This woman is someone he is involved with. He continues in the poem with extended metaphor that mention sex. For example, lines 12 through 14 clearly states that they made love. Also, when you are analyzing a poem is good to get out a dictionary, and look up certain words. For instance the word wanton in line 27 or martyr in…
Read the whole commentThis poeom and many sexual overtones. The speaker is describing, in great detail, his lover. This woman is someone he is involved with. He continues in the poem with extended metaphor that mention sex. For example, lines 12 through 14 clearly states that they made love. Also, when you are analyzing a poem is good to get out a dictionary, and look up certain words. For instance the word wanton in line 27 or martyr in line 23, and you understand the poem quite clearly. It's all about looking deeper into the poem. For most of us, sex isn't always the first thing that pops into our head when taking apart a poem like this, but you have to think out of the box. Other Information:
~ 4 stanzas, 7 lines each
~Alliteration: line 8 (well, wishes, went) or line 27 (wanton, ways)
~Theme: This can be different for many people. You think about it, trust me it's not hard at all.
Also think about diction (the choice of words the author uses) to figure out what the poem means. Good Luck!
Your Wrong Britt...if you look at his sensual side of life and nature you would understand his mind doesnt go right to sex!
it was pointed out to me that the speaker was a horse...try rereading it...it makes sense...
1. turn, counter turn
2. nibbled from her hand
3. follow her lead
I Knew A Woman was a very hard poem for me to understand as I don't speak in blank verse on a regular basis. Poetry is all about interpretation and application. Although one may not receive what the author intended, if they feel bettered after reading the piece, the duty has been accomplished.