Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE HUNTER by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: IN THE FLASHES AND BLACK SHADOWS
Last Line: AND BECOME FAST TO A TWIG AGAIN.

In the flashes and black shadows
of July
the days, locked in each other's arms,
seem still
so that squirrels and colored birds
go about at ease over
the branches and through the air.

Where will a shoulder split or
a forehead open and victory be?

Nowhere.
Both sides grow older.

And you may be sure
not one leaf will lift itself
from the ground
and become fast to a twig again.



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