Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


ALL GONE by CECIL DAY LEWIS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THE SEA DRAINED OFF, MY POVERTY'S UNCOVERED
Last Line: REVIVE OR DROWN, A LIBERATING ARM!
Subject(s): TRUTH;

The sea drained off, my poverty's uncovered --
Sand, sand, a rusted anchor, broken glass,
The listless sediment of sparkling days
When through a paradise of weed joy wavered.

The sea rolled up like a blind, oh pitiless light
Revealing, shrivelling all! Lacklustre weeds
My hours, my truth a salt-lick. Love recedes
From rippled flesh bared without appetite.

A stranded time, neap and annihilation
Of spirit. Gasping on the inglorious rock,
I pray the sea return, even though its calm
Be treachery, its virtue a delusion.

Put forth upon my sands, whether to mock,
Revive or drown, a liberating arm!



Home: PoetryExplorer.net