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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

CANTHARA by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS

Poem Explanation Poet Analysis

First Line: THE OLD BLACK-MAN SHOWED ME
Last Line: HIS OLD EMOTION.
Subject(s): DANCING & DANCERS; LUST;
The old black-man showed me
how he had been shocked
in his youth
by six women, dancing
a set-dance, stark naked below
the skirts raised round
their breasts:
bellies flung forward
knees flying!
-- while
his gestures, against the
tiled wall of the dingy bath-room,
swished with ecstasy to
the familiar music of
his old emotion.



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