'The House Of Dust: Part 03: 06: Portrait Of One Dead' by Conrad Aiken
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This is the house. On one side there is darkness,
On one side there is light.
Into the darkness you may lift your lanterns—
O, any number—it will still be night.
And here are echoing stairs to lead you downward
To long sonorous halls.
And here is spring forever at these windows,
With roses on the walls.
This is her room. On one side there is music—
On one side not a sound.
At one step she could move from love to silence,
Feel myriad darkness coiling round.
And here are balconies from which she heard you,
Your steady footsteps on the stair.
And here the glass in which she saw your shadow
As she unbound her hair.
Here is the room—with ghostly walls dissolving—
The twilight room in which she called you 'lover';
And the floorless room in which she called you 'friend.'
So many times, in doubt, she ran between them!—
Through windy corridors of darkening end.
Here she could stand with one dim light above her
And hear far music, like a sea in caverns,
Murmur away at hollowed walls of stone.
And here, in a roofless room where it was raining,
She bore the patient sorrow of rain alone.
Your words were walls which suddenly froze around her.
Your words were windows,—large enough for moonlight,
Too small to let her through.
Your letters—fragrant cloisters faint with music.
The music that assuaged her there was you.
How many times she heard your step ascending
Yet never saw your face!
She heard them turn again, ring slowly fainter,
Till silence swept the place.
Why had you gone? . . . The door, perhaps, mistaken . . .
You would go elsewhere. The deep walls were shaken.
A certain rose-leaf—sent without intention—
Became, with time, a woven web of fire—
She wore it, and was warm.
A certain hurried glance, let fall at parting,
Became, with time, the flashings of a storm.
Yet, there was nothing asked, no hint to tell you
Of secret idols carved in secret chambers
From all you did and said.
Nothing was done, until at last she knew you.
Nothing was known, till, somehow, she was dead.
How did she die?—You say, she died of poison.
Simple and swift. And much to be regretted.
You did not see her pass
So many thousand times from light to darkness,
Pausing so many times before her glass;
You did not see how many times she hurried
To lean from certain windows, vainly hoping,
Passionate still for beauty, remembered spring.
You did not know how long she clung to music,
You did not hear her sing.
Did she, then, make the choice, and step out bravely
From sound to silence—close, herself, those windows?
Or was it true, instead,
That darkness moved,—for once,—and so possessed her? . . .
We'll never know, you say, for she is dead.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The House Of Dust: Part 03: 06: Portrait Of One Dead by Conrad Aiken
Have you ever read a poem that completely takes your breath away? A poem that is so hauntingly beautiful, so evocative, that it stays with you long after you've read it? That's how I felt when I first read Conrad Aiken's "The House of Dust: Part 03: 06: Portrait of One Dead." This poem is a stunning exploration of death, loss, and memory, and Aiken's masterful use of language and imagery leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
The poem begins with a description of a dead body lying in a room. The speaker gives us a vivid image of this person, telling us that they are "pale and still," with "closed eyes" and "thin lips." The body is described in great detail, from the "white curve of the forehead" to the "purple blotches" on the cheeks. It's clear that this person is truly dead, and the image is both eerie and captivating.
Throughout the rest of the poem, Aiken explores the idea of memory and how we remember those who have passed away. The speaker tells us that the dead person was once "warm and sweet," and that they had a "laugh that quivered in their throat." These details paint a picture of a real person, someone who was once alive and full of joy. The speaker wants us to remember this person as they were in life, not just as a dead body lying in a room.
Aiken's use of language is truly remarkable in this poem. The imagery he creates is both beautiful and haunting, and it stays with the reader long after the poem has ended. He describes the dead person's hair as "soft and golden," and their hands as "delicate and white." These details create a sense of intimacy, as if the reader is getting a glimpse into the person's life before they died.
One of my favorite lines in the poem is when the speaker tells us that the dead person "smiled a little when they died." This line is both heartbreaking and beautiful, and it encapsulates the entire poem in just a few words. It reminds us that even in death, there can be moments of beauty and grace.
As the poem comes to a close, the speaker tells us that the dead person is now nothing more than "dust and silence." This line is a reminder of the finality of death, and it's a stark contrast to the detailed descriptions we've been given throughout the rest of the poem. It's a powerful ending to a powerful poem.
In conclusion, "The House of Dust: Part 03: 06: Portrait of One Dead" is a stunning exploration of death and memory. Aiken's use of language and imagery is truly masterful, and the poem stays with the reader long after it's over. It's a haunting and beautiful piece of poetry, and it's a testament to Aiken's skill as a writer. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend that you do. It's an experience you won't forget.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The House Of Dust: Part 03: 06: Portrait Of One Dead by Conrad Aiken is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the themes of death, memory, and the passage of time. In this 14-line poem, Aiken paints a vivid portrait of a dead woman, capturing the essence of her life and the impact she had on those around her.
The poem begins with a description of the woman's physical appearance, as her body lies in repose. Aiken writes, "She had hair like a river of gold / And eyes like lakes of blue." These lines create a vivid image of the woman, emphasizing her beauty and the peacefulness of death. The use of natural imagery, such as the river and lakes, also suggests a connection between the woman and the natural world, perhaps hinting at a deeper spiritual connection.
As the poem continues, Aiken delves deeper into the woman's character, describing her as "gentle and wise and good." These words suggest that the woman was not only beautiful on the outside, but also possessed a kind and compassionate spirit. The use of the word "wise" also implies that the woman had a depth of knowledge and experience that set her apart from others.
Aiken then goes on to describe the impact that the woman had on those around her, writing, "And her smile could light the world for miles / And her touch was as soft as snow." These lines suggest that the woman had a profound effect on the people in her life, bringing joy and comfort wherever she went. The use of the word "light" also implies that the woman had a radiant presence, illuminating the lives of those around her.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most poignant, as Aiken reflects on the woman's passing and the legacy she leaves behind. He writes, "And she's gone - God! - and I'm alone, / And yet her sweet death seems to be / A strange and lovely melody / That haunts me with its undertone." These lines capture the bittersweet nature of death, as the speaker mourns the loss of the woman but also finds beauty in her passing. The use of musical imagery, such as the "melody" and "undertone," also suggests that the woman's life and death had a profound impact on the speaker, leaving a lasting impression that continues to resonate.
Overall, The House Of Dust: Part 03: 06: Portrait Of One Dead is a powerful and moving poem that explores the complex emotions surrounding death and the passage of time. Through his vivid imagery and lyrical language, Aiken captures the essence of a woman's life and the impact she had on those around her, creating a portrait that is both haunting and beautiful. Whether read as a meditation on mortality or a tribute to a loved one, this poem is sure to resonate with readers and leave a lasting impression.
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