Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Clair de Lune" is a poem by Australian poet Gwen Harwood, first published in 1963. The poem is named after Claude Debussy's piano piece "Clair de Lune" and explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passing of time.

Explanation: 

The poem is divided into two stanzas of unequal length. In the first stanza, the speaker reflects on a memory of watching the moonlight on a lake, feeling a sense of nostalgia and yearning for the past. The memory is described as a "mirage" that can never be fully recaptured.

In the second stanza, the speaker describes a present moment in which they are listening to Debussy's "Clair de Lune." The music evokes a similar sense of nostalgia and longing, but also offers a kind of solace and comfort in the present moment. The speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of life, and the way in which moments of joy and beauty are always tinged with a sense of loss.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem consists of two stanzas of unequal length.
• Imagery: The moonlight on the lake is depicted through visual imagery, and the music is evoked through auditory imagery.
• Tone: The poem has a wistful, nostalgic tone, with a sense of longing for the past and a recognition of the transience of life.
• Allusion: The poem references Debussy's piano piece "Clair de Lune," which adds an additional layer of meaning to the poem.

Conclusion: "Clair de Lune" is a meditative poem that explores themes of memory, nostalgia, and the passing of time. The use of visual and auditory imagery helps to create a sense of the beauty and transience of life, while the allusion to Debussy's music adds an additional layer of meaning to the poem.

Poem Snippet:

"The music is sweet,

sweet in the way

of things long gone."

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...