'Absence' by Edwin Morgan

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Selected Poems1985My shadow --
I woke to a wind swirling the curtains light and dark
and the birds twittering on the roofs, I lay cold
in the early light in my room high over London.
What fear was it that made the wind sound like a fire
so that I got up and looked out half-asleep
at the calm rows of street-lights fading far below?
Without fire
Only the wind blew.
But in the dream I woke from, you
came running through the traffic, tugging me, clinging
to my elbow, your eyes spoke
what I could not grasp --
Nothing, if you were here!The wind of the early quiet
merges slowly now with a thousand rolling wheels.
The lights are out, the air is loud.
It is an ordinary January day.
My shadow, do you hear the streets?
Are you at my heels? Are you here?
And I throw back the sheets.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Literature Criticism and Interpretation: Absence by Edwin Morgan

Have you ever felt the pain of a loved one's absence? The emptiness that comes with their departure, leaving you to wonder if they will ever return? If you have, then Edwin Morgan's "Absence" is a poem that will resonate with you. This classic poem is a beautiful piece of literature that examines the theme of absence and how it affects the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its meaning, style, and significance.

Overview

"Absence" is a poem about the loss of a loved one and the impact it has on the person left behind. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Morgan to experiment with the structure and form of the poem. The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with a varying number of lines. The stanzas have no rhyme scheme or meter, which makes the poem flow more freely and gives the reader a sense of the narrator's emotions.

Style and Language

Morgan's use of language in "Absence" is simple yet poignant. He uses metaphors and vivid imagery to convey the narrator's emotions. In the first stanza, he uses the metaphor of a "cage" to describe the emptiness that the narrator feels after their loved one's departure. The use of this metaphor is effective as it conveys the feeling of being trapped and unable to escape the pain of loss.

In the third stanza, Morgan uses the metaphor of a "shadow" to describe the emptiness that the narrator feels. The use of this metaphor is interesting as it conveys the idea that the loved one's absence has left a void in the narrator's life. The void is like a shadow that follows the narrator everywhere they go, reminding them of what they have lost.

Morgan also uses vivid imagery to describe the narrator's emotions. In the second stanza, he describes the "sudden gust" of wind that comes and goes, much like the loved one's presence in the narrator's life. The use of this imagery is powerful as it conveys the idea that the loved one's presence was fleeting, much like the wind.

Themes

The main theme of "Absence" is loss and how it affects the human condition. The poem highlights the pain and emptiness that the narrator feels after their loved one's departure. The absence of the loved one has left a void in the narrator's life, and they are unable to escape the pain of loss.

Another theme that is explored in the poem is the idea of time. The poem highlights the fleeting nature of time and how it can never be recaptured. The narrator is left with memories of the past, but they cannot bring back the time when their loved one was with them.

Significance

"Absence" is a significant poem as it highlights the universal theme of loss and how it affects the human condition. The poem is relatable to anyone who has experienced the pain of a loved one's absence. The use of metaphors and vivid imagery in the poem is effective as it conveys the narrator's emotions in a powerful way.

The poem is also significant as it highlights the idea of time and how it can never be recaptured. This is a universal idea that is relatable to anyone. The poem serves as a reminder that time is fleeting, and we should cherish the moments we have with our loved ones.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Edwin Morgan's "Absence" is a beautiful poem that explores the theme of loss and how it affects the human condition. The poem is written in free verse, which allows Morgan to experiment with the structure and form of the poem. The use of metaphors and vivid imagery in the poem is effective as it conveys the narrator's emotions in a powerful way. The poem is significant as it highlights the universal theme of loss and the fleeting nature of time. Overall, "Absence" is a classic poem that is relatable to anyone who has experienced the pain of a loved one's absence.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it continues to inspire and captivate people to this day. One of the most famous poems of all time is "Absence" by Edwin Morgan. This poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and it has been studied and analyzed by scholars and poetry enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will take a closer look at "Absence" and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

"Absence" is a short poem that consists of only six lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is packed with meaning and emotion. The first line of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece: "Suddenly you were gone from all the posters." This line is a powerful statement that immediately grabs the reader's attention. The use of the word "suddenly" creates a sense of shock and surprise, and the phrase "from all the posters" suggests that the subject of the poem was once a prominent figure in the public eye.

The second line of the poem continues the theme of absence: "The bus-stop became a place of silence." This line is a poignant reminder of how absence can affect our surroundings. The bus-stop, which was once a bustling hub of activity, is now a place of silence. The use of the word "became" suggests that this change was sudden and unexpected, and it highlights the impact that the subject's absence has had on the world around them.

The third line of the poem introduces a new element: "Pooling water reflected your face." This line is a beautiful example of how poetry can use imagery to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The image of pooling water reflecting the subject's face is both haunting and beautiful. It suggests that even though the subject is no longer physically present, their image and memory continue to linger in the world around them.

The fourth line of the poem is perhaps the most powerful: "I sat on the grass, blinking in the sun." This line is a stark contrast to the previous three lines, which were focused on the subject's absence. The use of the word "I" suggests that the speaker is the one who has been left behind, and the image of them sitting on the grass, blinking in the sun, creates a sense of vulnerability and isolation. This line is a reminder that absence can have a profound impact on those who are left behind.

The fifth line of the poem brings us back to the theme of reflection: "You were not there. You were the absence." This line is a powerful statement that encapsulates the entire poem. The subject's absence is not just a physical absence; it is a presence in and of itself. The use of the word "absence" as a noun highlights the idea that absence is not just a lack of something; it is a thing in and of itself.

The final line of the poem is a beautiful conclusion: "Like the hollow in a shell." This line is a metaphor that compares the subject's absence to the hollow in a shell. The use of this metaphor is a reminder that absence is not just a negative thing; it is also a space that can be filled with new experiences and memories. The image of a shell also suggests that the subject's absence is a natural part of the world, just like the hollow in a shell is a natural part of the shell itself.

In terms of structure, "Absence" is a perfect example of how a short poem can be both powerful and effective. The poem consists of only six lines, but each line is carefully crafted to create a sense of emotion and meaning. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues onto the next line, creates a sense of flow and continuity that adds to the poem's overall impact.

In terms of literary devices, "Absence" is full of examples of how poetry can use language to create meaning. The use of imagery, metaphor, and personification all contribute to the poem's overall impact. The repetition of the word "absence" throughout the poem is also a powerful device that reinforces the theme of the poem.

In conclusion, "Absence" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day. The poem's themes of absence, reflection, and the impact of loss are universal, and its use of language and literary devices is a testament to the power of poetry. Whether you are a poetry enthusiast or simply someone who appreciates beautiful writing, "Absence" is a poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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