Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"On a Girdle" is a poem by Edmund Waller, a 17th-century English poet and politician. The poem was first published in 1655 and is one of Waller's most famous works. It is a lyric poem that describes the beauty of a woman's girdle, and the power it has over men.

The poem begins with the speaker admiring the girdle's "silken twist" and "lucid zone" which are described as having the power to "bind" the speaker's heart. He describes the girdle as being like a "circlet" or a "zone" that draws attention to the woman's beauty and accentuates her curves. The speaker is clearly in awe of the woman's beauty, and is mesmerized by the girdle's ability to captivate him.

As the poem continues, the speaker becomes more and more entranced by the girdle's beauty. He suggests that it has the power to "crown" the woman with a "wealth of love" and implies that it is a symbol of her power and allure. The speaker seems to be lost in admiration of the woman, and it is clear that the girdle has a profound effect on him.

In terms of structure, the poem is composed of six quatrains, or four-line stanzas, each with a rhyming scheme of ABAB. The use of quatrains gives the poem a regular and structured feel, while the consistent rhyme scheme contributes to the poem's musicality and adds to its overall effect.

Overall, "On a Girdle" is a beautiful and romantic poem that celebrates the power of beauty and love. The speaker's admiration for the woman's girdle is a reflection of his admiration for her, and the poem serves as a testament to the enduring power of love and desire.

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