Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Seymour Bridges' "Absence" is a poem that reflects on the pain and longing that accompanies the separation from a loved one. The poem was first published in Bridges' collection of poems, "The Shorter Poems of Robert Bridges" in 1890. 

The poem "Absence" explores the pain and longing that accompanies separation from a loved one. The poem begins with a description of the physical and emotional landscape of separation, with the speaker experiencing a range of painful emotions, including "yearning", "sorrow", and "regret". However, the poem's tone shifts as the speaker reflects on the power of memory and the possibility of reunion.

Throughout the poem, Bridges employs a range of poetic elements to convey the emotional pain and longing of separation. The use of vivid imagery, including the "barren hill" and the "mournful blast", creates a vivid picture of the emotional landscape of separation. The use of repetition, such as the repeated phrase "when you were here", emphasizes the power of memory and the longing for reunion.

In addition to its focus on the pain of separation, the poem can be read as a commentary on the power of memory and the importance of holding onto hope in times of difficulty. The poem suggests that even in times of separation and pain, the power of memory and the possibility of reunion can provide a source of comfort and hope.

In conclusion, "Absence" is a powerful and evocative poem that reflects on the pain and longing that accompanies separation from a loved one. Bridges' use of poetic elements, such as vivid imagery and repetition, creates a vivid and emotional picture of the emotional landscape of separation. The poem's themes of memory, hope, and the power of reunion, make it a timeless reflection on the human experience of separation and loss.