Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

A JELLYFISH by MARIANNE MOORE

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: VISIBLE, INVISIBLE
Last Line: FROM YOU.
Subject(s): ANIMALS; JELLYFISH;
THE LANTERN.

Visible, invisible,
A fluctuating charm,
An amber-coloured amethyst
Inhabits it; your arm
Approaches, and
It opens and
It closes;
You have meant
To catch it,
And it shrivels;
You abandon
Your intent—
It opens, and it
Closes and you
Reach for it—
The blue
Surrounding it
Grows cloudy, and
It floats away
From you.



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