Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE LONELY STREET by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: SCHOOL IS OVER. IT IS TOO HOT
Last Line: THEY MOUNT THE LONELY STREET.
Subject(s): SCHOOLS; STUDENTS;
School is over. It is too hot
to walk at ease. At ease
in light frocks they walk the streets
to while the time away.
They have grown tall. They hold
pink flames in their right hands.
In white from head to foot,
with sidelong, idle look --
in yellow, floating stuff,
black sash and stockings --
touching their avid mouths
with pink sugar on a stick --
like a carnation each holds in her hand --
they mount the lonely street.


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