Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

ANTIPATER OF SIDON, by HILDA DOOLITTLE Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"Antipater of Sidon" is a poem by Hilda Doolittle, also known as H.D. It was first published in 1921 as part of her collection "Sea Garden".

Explanation:

The poem is an elegy for the ancient Greek poet Erinna, who is said to have died at a young age. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the beauty of art that outlasts human mortality. The poem also explores the theme of the power of poetry to keep the memory of loved ones alive.

Poetic Elements:

Form: The poem consists of three stanzas of uneven length. The first and third stanzas have four lines, while the second stanza has six lines.
Theme: Mortality, the power of art, the endurance of memory
Imagery: The poem features images of the sea, stars, and ancient ruins, which serve to evoke a sense of timelessness and the eternal nature of art.
Tone: The tone of the poem is elegiac, mournful, and contemplative.
Sound: The poem employs a variety of sound devices, including alliteration, assonance, and repetition, to create a musical effect.
Language: The language is simple and straightforward, with occasional archaic or elevated diction, such as "The gods alone are free / from love's dominion" and "thou didst frame / sweet numbers."

Conclusion:

"Antipater of Sidon" is a moving tribute to the power of poetry to transcend time and keep the memory of loved ones alive. Through its evocative imagery and elegiac tone, the poem invites readers to contemplate the enduring beauty of art and the fleeting nature of human existence.

ANTIPATER OF SIDON

I ask the gods to forgive me.

What have I done?

I did not finish my dinner.

I did not tie up my hair.

I did not put on my robe.

I did not see to the lamp.

I did not—

But what does it matter?

I have died many times, but your touch

was the hardest of all to leave.