Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry: Explained, RONDEAU, by JAMES HENRY LEIGH HUNT



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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

RONDEAU, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"Rondeau" is a beautiful and lyrical poem by James Henry Leigh Hunt, a prominent British poet and critic of the Romantic era. The poem is a traditional French form of poetry that consists of 13 lines, with a specific rhyme scheme and structure.

The poem begins with a powerful and evocative opening line: "Jenny kissed me when we met." This line sets the tone for the poem, which is a celebration of love and joy. Hunt uses simple and direct language to convey the intensity of the moment, and to capture the sense of happiness and delight that comes with being in love.

Throughout the poem, Hunt uses repetition and rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. The poem is composed of three stanzas, each with a specific rhyme scheme and refrain. The refrain, "Time, you thief!," is repeated throughout the poem, serving as a reminder of the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing the present moment.

The poem is also a meditation on the power of love to transform our lives. Hunt describes how Jenny's kiss has the power to transport him to a state of pure joy and happiness. He writes, "And since the day I kissed thee and / Thy kiss was wine upon my lips, / I have been sick until I heard / The blessed rain upon the roof / And pattered on the leaves again / And seen the stars rush out and fall / Through darkness and the windy rain, / And all the magic of the fall."

In conclusion, "Rondeau" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that celebrates the power of love and the importance of cherishing the present moment. Through his use of repetition, rhyme, and vivid imagery, Hunt captures the essence of the human experience, and reminds us of the transformative power of love. 


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