Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


VARIATIONS: 8 by CONRAD AIKEN

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN THE MAZES OF LOITERING PEOPLE, THE WATCHFUL AND FURTIVE
Last Line: TO DIVIDE US FOREVER.
Subject(s): LOVE;

In the mazes of loitering people, the watchful and furtive,
The shadows of tree-trunks and shadows of leaves,
In the drowse of the sunlight, among the low voices,
I suddenly face you,

Your dark eyes return for a space from her who is with you,
They shine into mine with a sunlit desire,
They say an "I love you, what star do you live on?"
They smile and then darken,
And silent I answer "You too -- I have known you -- I love you!" --
And the shadows of tree-trunks and shadows of leaves
Interlace with low voices, and footsteps, and sunlight,
To divide us forever.



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