Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lover (1917)" by Richard Aldington is a poignant and allegorical poem that personifies death as a final and ultimate lover, awaited amidst the turmoil of World War I. Aldington, known for his imagery-rich and emotionally intense poetry, often reflecting his experiences in the war, uses this piece to explore themes of mortality, the allure of death, and the escapism it offers from the horrors of war.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on past relationships, acknowledging the presence of friends and a beautiful love in their life. However, there is anticipation for another lover, one who stands apart and above all — a metaphor for death. This lover is not associated with times of peace and beauty, such as the "soft plum-blossoms" or the "gay with birds singing," but rather with a time of great turmoil.

The arrival of this lover is depicted dramatically: she comes "From the midst of vast clamour," surrounded by "a mist of stars" and "great beckoning plumes of white smoke / Upon her leaping horses." This imagery evokes a sense of grandeur and inevitability, suggesting that death arrives with a certain majesty and undeniable presence, especially in the context of war.

The interaction between the speaker and this final lover is intense and visceral. She clasps the speaker suddenly, with "fierce arms" and a kiss likened to a "wound / That bleeds slowly." This portrayal of death is both violent and intimate, reflecting the painful yet deeply personal nature of mortality.

Despite the initial pain and violence of this encounter, the poem concludes with a sense of relief and release. The lover, death, will "soon soothe me gently" and cast upon the speaker "an unbreakable sleep / Softly for ever." This final sleep is a metaphor for the peace of death, offering an escape from the suffering and chaos of life, particularly the brutal reality of war.

In summary, "Lover (1917)" by Richard Aldington is a powerful and evocative poem that personifies death as the ultimate lover, awaited amidst the strife and destruction of war. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Aldington explores the complex relationship between life and death, portraying death as both a violent and a soothing presence, offering a final escape from the pain of existence. The poem reflects on the allure of death and the peace it promises, especially in contrast to the horrors of war.

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