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SILENT IN THE MOONLIGHT, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography


"Silent in the Moonlight" by Robert Bly is a serene and contemplative poem that explores themes of connection, simplicity, and the timeless human desire for closeness to nature. Through the imagery of a man and a woman sleeping under an antelope robe on open ground, Bly evokes a sense of primal intimacy and unity with the natural world, contrasted with the complexities and isolation of modern life.

The poem's opening and closing lines, "Silent in the moonlight, no beginning or end," encapsulate the eternal, cyclical nature of the natural world and the human experience within it. This repetition creates a circular structure that mirrors the perpetual continuity of life, suggesting that despite the changes wrought by time and civilization, some elemental experiences remain unchanged.

The image of the couple lying "Alone, and not alone" under the antelope robe on the open ground speaks to the deep connection between individuals and the broader universe. Their solitude together under the animal skin symbolizes a return to a more fundamental way of living, one that is in harmony with the earth and its creatures. The antelope robe serves as a tangible connection to the natural world, its roughness a reminder of the raw and unmediated reality of life outside the confines of modernity.

Bly poses the question, "Can a modern man / And woman live so? How many years?" These lines reflect a longing for the simplicity and authenticity of a life lived in close connection with nature, juxtaposed with the recognition of the challenges and alienation that can accompany contemporary existence. The poem suggests a yearning to reclaim a sense of unity and simplicity that seems lost or diminished in the modern world.

The setting of the poem, with the couple sleeping under the moon on the plains, evokes a sense of vastness and tranquility. The moonlight and the silent plains serve as symbols of the timeless and unchanging aspects of the natural world, offering a backdrop of peace and constancy against which human life unfolds.

"Silent in the Moonlight" is a lyrical meditation on the themes of unity, nature, and the search for a more authentic way of living. Through its evocative imagery and reflective tone, Robert Bly invites readers to consider the possibilities of reconnecting with the natural world and finding solace and meaning in its silent, eternal presence. The poem stands as a poignant reminder of the enduring human need for connection, both with one another and with the earth itself.

POEM TEXT: https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Two+ramages+for+old+masters.-a014048805


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