Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

 
"After Two Years" by Richard Aldington is a poem that delicately intertwines themes of love, devotion, and spiritual longing. Aldington, a prominent figure in the early 20th-century Imagist movement, is known for his concise and vivid imagery, and this poem is a testament to his ability to evoke deep emotions through simple, clear language.

The poem opens with a gentle description of the beloved, portraying her as "all so slight / And tender and white / As a May morning." This imagery paints her in a light of purity and delicacy, likening her to the freshness and beauty of early spring. The reference to "a May morning" not only suggests youth and beauty but also hints at a sense of renewal and new beginnings, which is often associated with spring. The depiction of her walking "without hood / At dusk" and singing evokes a sense of innocence and unguardedness, enhancing her ethereal and delicate nature.

The second stanza introduces a religious dimension to the speaker's love. The comparison of his love for her to God's love for Mary introduces a sacred aspect to his feelings. This comparison elevates the beloved to a higher, almost divine status, and simultaneously expresses the speaker's profound reverence for her. The speaker's commitment to praying for her love reflects a deep sense of devotion and a longing for reciprocation that borders on spiritual need.

In the third stanza, the beloved is described as "as gold / Lovely, and far more cold." This juxtaposition of her beauty with coldness suggests an unattainable, perhaps unresponsive, quality to her. Gold, a precious metal, is often associated with value and purity but is also cold and unyielding. This metaphor subtly hints at the speaker's perception of the beloved as precious yet distant or emotionally inaccessible.

The poem concludes with the speaker's humble plea for just a small token of her affection, implying that even the slightest reciprocation of his love would be a great blessing. The desire to "kiss twice her face" is modest yet deeply significant for the speaker, indicating a longing for intimacy and connection. The phrase "God has done well to me" reinforces the idea that the speaker views any gesture of affection from the beloved as a divine favor, underscoring the sacredness he attributes to her and their potential union.

The form and style of the poem, consistent with the Imagist aesthetic, rely on clear, direct language and vivid imagery. There is a musical quality to the poem, achieved through a simple rhyme scheme and rhythm, which complements the themes of innocence and purity.

In summary, "After Two Years" is a poignant expression of unrequited love and spiritual longing. Aldington uses simple yet powerful imagery to convey deep emotional states, blending themes of earthly love with divine aspiration. The poem captures the intensity of the speaker's devotion and the sacredness he attributes to his beloved, painting a picture of love that is both deeply human and touched by a sense of the divine

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