Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

ORIENTALE: 1 by EDWARD ESTLIN CUMMINGS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: I SPOKE TO THEE
Last Line: O THOU, IS LOVE NOT DEATH?
Subject(s): LIFE; LOVE - NATURE OF;
i spoke to thee
with a smile and thou didst not
answer
thy mouth is as
a chord of crimson music
Come hither—
O thou, is life not a smile?

i spoke to thee with
a song and thou
didst not listen
thine eyes are as a vase
of divine silence
Come hither—
O thou, is life not a song?

i spoke
to thee with a soul, and thou didst not wonder
thy face is as a dream locked
in white fragrance.
Come hither—
O thou, is life not love?

i speak to
thee with a sword
and thou art silent
thy breast is as a tomb
softer than flowers
Come hither—
O thou, is love not death?



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