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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

H-- LAUGHTER WAS BETTER THAN BIRDS IN THE MORNING, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"H-- Laughter Was Better Than Birds in the Morning" by Cecil Day-Lewis is a poignant and tender elegy that celebrates the enduring spirit and memory of a beloved individual, referred to as "H—." Through the selective evocation of H—'s laughter, smile, and memory, the poem crafts a homage that transcends the pain of loss, emphasizing the indelible impact H— has left on the world and those who knew her/him.

The “H” in the poem was L.P. Hedges, whose laughter, memory, and impact were profoundly meaningful to the poet. The poem's use of an initial instead of a full name may have been a choice to impart a universal quality to the personal loss, allowing readers to find their own connections to the sentiments expressed, while still honoring the unique spirit of L.P. Hedges.

The opening line immediately juxtaposes H—'s laughter with the natural beauty of birdsong at dawn, suggesting that H—'s joy and vitality were as uplifting and essential to the speaker as the chorus of nature itself. This comparison elevates the personal and intimate into the realm of the universal, intertwining H—'s essence with the fabric of the natural world.

The mention of H—'s smile having the power to "Turn the edge of the wind" further imbues H— with a near-magical influence, capable of softening the harshness of reality and imparting warmth and comfort. This line captures the transformative effect of H—'s presence, highlighting the way in which she/he brought light and ease to those around her/him.

As the poem progresses, Day-Lewis explores the theme of memory as a force that "Disarms death and charms the surly grave." This powerful assertion speaks to the resilience of love and remembrance against the finality of death, suggesting that H—'s spirit and the memories shared with her/him possess the strength to mitigate the sting of loss.

The acknowledgment of H—'s early departure from life, "Early she went to bed, too early we / Saw h- / - light put out," conveys a sense of premature loss, a life extinguished before its time. Yet, the poem resists dwelling in sorrow, asserting that grief could not persist "More than a little while." This resilience is attributed to the pervasive presence of H— in the natural world, in "the earth around us" and "laughs from the sky," indicating that H— continues to exist in the beauty and laughter that permeate daily life.

"H-- Laughter Was Better Than Birds in the Morning" is a testament to the lasting influence of a loved one who has passed away. Day-Lewis crafts a lyrical reminder that those we lose never truly leave us; they become part of the world's beauty and the joy we experience. Through its delicate imagery and heartfelt sentiment, the poem offers comfort and solace in the idea that love and memory can transcend death, allowing us to find peace in the enduring presence of those we have lost.


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