Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, WOMAN WALKING, by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

WOMAN WALKING, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: An oblique cloud of purple smoke
Last Line: I might well see you oftener.
Subject(s): Country Life; Women; Desire


An oblique cloud of purple smoke
across a milky silhouette
of house sides and tiny trees --
a little village --
that ends in a saw edge
of mist-covered trees
on a sheet of grey sky.

To the right, jutting in,
a dark crimson corner of roof.
To the left, half a tree:

-- what a blessing it is
to see you in the street again,
powerful woman,
coming with swinging haunches,
breasts straight forward,
supple shoulders, full arms
and strong, soft hands (I've felt them)
carrying the heavy basket.

I might well see you oftener!
And for a different reason
than the fresh eggs
you bring us so regularly.

Yes, you, young as I,
with boney brows,
kind grey eyes and a kind mouth;
you walking out toward me
from that dead hillside!
I might well see you oftener.





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