'Mid-Day' by H.D.

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The light beats upon me.
I am startled—
a split leaf crackles on the paved floor—
I am anguished—defeated.

A slight wind shakes the seed-pods—
my thoughts are spent
as the black seeds.
My thoughts tear me,
I dread their fever.
I am scattered in its whirl.
I am scattered like
the hot shrivelled seeds.

The shriveled seeds
are split on the path—
the grass bends with dust,
the grape slips
under its cracked leaf:
yet far beyond the spent seed-pods,
and the blackened stalks of mint,
the poplar is bright on the hill,
the poplar spreads out,
deep-rooted among trees.

O poplar, you are great
among the hill-stones,
while I perish on the path
among the crevices of the rocks.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Mid-Day by H.D.: An Analysis

Oh, Mid-Day! What a wonderful poem by H.D.! This masterpiece captures the essence of nature and the beauty of life in a way that is both simple and intricate. Let's explore this poem and see what it has to offer.

The Poem

Mid-Day, by H.D.

The air is still Sunlight glints upon the sea The tide is low And dark sand reflects the sun A little wind Wafts over the tide-flat The birds wheel In wide circles about the beach A slow barge With two tall sails Drifts over the sea-floor Lightly Over an amber sea The age-old rhythm of the tides Is in the soft sound Of the waves And in the salt spray That sprinkles the air The sun Beats on.

The Interpretation

At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple description of a mid-day scene on the beach. However, as we delve deeper, we realize that there is more to it than meets the eye.

The first thing that strikes the reader is the stillness of the air. This creates a sense of calm and serenity, which prepares us for the beauty that is about to unfold. The sunlight glinting upon the sea, the low tide, and the dark sand reflect the sun, which creates a stunning visual imagery. The use of the word "glint" emphasizes the brightness of the sunlight and the sparkling effect it has on the sea, which adds to the beauty of the scene.

The little wind wafting over the tide-flat creates a sense of movement, which breaks the stillness of the air. This movement is further emphasized by the birds wheeling in wide circles about the beach. The use of the word "wheel" gives the impression of a continuous motion, which is a contrast to the stillness of the air. The slow barge with two tall sails drifting over the sea-floor lightly over an amber sea adds to the sense of movement and creates a picturesque image.

The age-old rhythm of the tides is in the soft sound of the waves and in the salt spray that sprinkles the air. This rhythm is an integral part of nature, and the poet has captured it beautifully in this poem. The use of the word "soft" to describe the sound of the waves emphasizes the calming effect of nature on the human mind.

The sun beating on creates a sense of warmth and light, which adds to the beauty of the scene. The use of the word "beats" emphasizes the intensity of the sun's rays and gives the impression of a continuous force.

Overall, the poem captures the beauty of nature in a way that is both simple and profound. The use of visual imagery, sensory details, and rhythmic language creates a sense of calm, movement, and beauty that is both timeless and universal.

The Criticism

While Mid-Day is a beautiful poem, it may be criticized for its simplicity. Some readers may find the poem lacking in depth and complexity, and may argue that it does not offer any new insights into the human condition. However, this criticism may miss the point of the poem, which is to capture the beauty of nature in a way that is both simple and profound.

Another criticism that may be levied against the poem is its lack of a clear theme or message. While the poem captures the beauty of nature, it does not offer any explicit moral or philosophical message. However, this criticism may also miss the point of the poem, which is to offer a moment of contemplation and reflection on the beauty of nature.

Conclusion

Mid-Day is a beautiful poem that captures the beauty of nature in a way that is both simple and profound. The use of visual imagery, sensory details, and rhythmic language creates a sense of calm, movement, and beauty that is both timeless and universal. While the poem may be criticized for its simplicity and lack of a clear message, it offers a moment of contemplation and reflection on the beauty of nature, which is a theme that is both timeless and universal.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Mid-Day: A Poem of Nature and Transcendence

H.D.'s Mid-Day is a poem that captures the essence of nature and the human experience in a single moment. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world and the transcendence that can be found in the simplest of things. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem and the ways in which H.D. uses language to convey her message.

The poem begins with a description of the natural world, as the speaker observes the "sunlit noon" and the "blossoming trees." The imagery here is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world in full bloom. The use of the word "sunlit" suggests warmth and light, while "blossoming" connotes growth and vitality. The trees are personified, as they "bend and sway" in the breeze, giving them a sense of movement and life.

As the poem progresses, the speaker's attention turns to the human experience. She observes a woman "with a basket on her arm" and a man "with a burden on his back." These figures are not described in detail, but their presence suggests the idea of work and labor. The contrast between the natural world and the human world is clear, as the speaker notes that "the trees are free" while the people are burdened.

However, the poem does not dwell on this contrast for long. Instead, it moves towards a sense of transcendence. The speaker notes that "the noon is like a rose" and that "the world is full of beauty." These lines suggest that there is something beyond the mundane world of work and labor, something that can be found in the beauty of nature. The idea of the noon as a rose is particularly striking, as it suggests that even in the midst of the harsh light of day, there is beauty to be found.

The poem then takes a turn towards the spiritual. The speaker notes that "the noon is like a prayer" and that "the world is full of wonder." These lines suggest that there is something beyond the physical world, something that can be accessed through prayer and wonder. The use of the word "prayer" suggests a connection to the divine, while "wonder" suggests a sense of awe and reverence.

The final stanza of the poem brings these themes together in a powerful way. The speaker notes that "the noon is like a dream" and that "the world is full of light." These lines suggest that there is a sense of unreality to the world, as if it is a dream or a vision. The use of the word "light" suggests a sense of enlightenment or understanding, as if the speaker has seen something beyond the physical world.

Overall, Mid-Day is a poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the transcendence that can be found in the simplest of things. H.D. uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey her message, creating a sense of wonder and awe in the reader. The poem is a reminder that even in the midst of the mundane world of work and labor, there is beauty and transcendence to be found.

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