Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

“Wish for a Young Wife” is a poem by Theodore Roethke that explores themes of desire, love, and the passage of time. The poem is written in free verse and consists of 15 lines.

In the poem, the speaker expresses a desire for a young wife who will bring new life and vitality into his world. He yearns for a companion who is both passionate and gentle, and who can share in the joys and sorrows of life with him. The speaker seems to suggest that this young wife would be able to renew his own sense of youth and vitality, bringing new energy to his life.

At the same time, the poem also hints at a sense of unease or regret. The speaker recognizes that he is no longer young himself, and that the passage of time is inevitable. He seems to suggest that the desire for a young wife is a kind of wishful thinking, a fantasy that cannot truly be fulfilled.

Overall, “Wish for a Young Wife” is a poignant exploration of the human desire for connection, love, and companionship, as well as the fear of aging and the passage of time. Roethke’s use of free verse and vivid imagery creates a powerful and evocative portrait of these themes, leaving the reader with a sense of both longing and resignation. The poem was first published in 1964, in Roethke’s collection “The Far Field.”