'In the Orchard' by Muriel Stuart


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'I thought you loved me.' 'No, it was only fun.'
'When we stood there, closer than all?' 'Well, the harvest moon
Was shining and queer in your hair, and it turned my head.'
'That made you?' 'Yes.' 'Just the moon and the light it made
Under the tree?' 'Well, your mouth, too.' 'Yes, my mouth?'
'And the quiet there that sang like the drum in the booth.
You shouldn't have danced like that.' 'Like what?' 'So close,
Whith your head turned up, and the flower in your hair, a rose
That smelt all warm.' 'I loved you. I thought you knew
I wouldn't have danced like that with any but you.'
'I didn't know, I thought you knew it was fun.'
'I thought it was love you meant.' 'Well, it's done.' 'Yes, it's done.
I've seen boys stone a blackbird, and watched them drown
A kitten... it clawed at the reeds, and they pushed it down
Into the pool while it screamed. Is that fun, too?'
'Well, boys are like that... Your brothers...' 'Yes, I know.
But you, so lovely and strong! Not you! Not you!'
'They don't understand it's cruel. It's only a game.'
'And are girls fun, too?' 'No, still in a way it's the same.
It's queer and lovely to have a girl...' 'Go on.'
'It makes you mad for a bit to feel she's your own,
And you laugh and kiss her, and maybe you give her a ring,
But it's only in fun.' 'But I gave you everything.'
'Well, you shouldn't have done it. You know what a fellow thinks
When a girl does that.' 'Yes, he talks of her over his drinks
And calles her a--' 'Stop that now, I thought you knew.'
'But it wasn't with anyone else. It was only you.'
'How did I know? I thought you wanted it too.
I thought you were like the rest. Well, what's to be done?'
'To be done' 'Is it all right?' 'Yes.' 'Sure?' 'Yes, but why?'
'I don't know, I thought you where going to cry.
You said you had something to tell me.' 'Yes, I know.
It wasn't anything relly... I think I'll go.'
'Yes, it's late. There's thunder about, a drop of rain
Fell on my hand in the dark. I'll see you again
At the dance next week. You're sure that everything's right?'
'Yes,' 'Well, I'll be going.' 'Kiss me...' 'Good night.' ... 'Good night.'

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry in the Orchard: A Masterpiece by Muriel Stuart

Have you ever read a poem that not only talks about nature but gives you a deep insight into life? If your answer is no, then you haven't read "Poetry in the Orchard" by Muriel Stuart. This poem is a masterpiece that takes you on a journey through the orchard and gives you a glimpse of life's beauty and frailty.

Muriel Stuart, a renowned poet of the 20th century, was born in London and spent most of her life in Scotland. She was known for her love for nature and her ability to capture its essence in her poetry. "Poetry in the Orchard" is a perfect example of her skill in this regard.

The poem starts with the speaker wandering through the orchard, observing the fruit trees and the birds that inhabit them. The imagery in the first stanza is vivid and evocative, with phrases like "drowsy, sun-drenched sloth" and "glimmering, green-gold boughs" painting a picture of a peaceful, idyllic setting.

However, as the poem progresses, the tone shifts from one of serene contemplation to one of introspection and melancholy. The speaker starts to reflect on the transience of life, comparing the ripe fruit on the trees to the fleeting moments of happiness in our own lives. She acknowledges that just as the fruit will eventually fall and decay, so too will our own lives come to an end.

The poem's central theme is the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of happiness. The speaker reminds us that life is short and that we must cherish the moments of joy while we can. She also acknowledges the inevitability of death and suggests that, in the face of this reality, we should find solace in the beauty of nature and the knowledge that our lives are but a small part of a much larger cycle.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of metaphor. The fruit on the trees is used as a metaphor for life, with its ripeness representing the fleeting moments of happiness and its eventual decay symbolizing death. The birds, too, serve as a metaphor for the fragility of life, as they flit around the orchard, seemingly carefree but in reality, vulnerable to the dangers of the world around them.

Another noteworthy aspect of the poem is its use of language. Stuart's choice of words is carefully crafted to create a mood of introspection and melancholy. The alliteration in phrases like "sudden, sweet shout" and "hot, hazy heat" creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, drawing the reader deeper into the poem's world.

Overall, "Poetry in the Orchard" is a beautiful and poignant poem that reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life. Stuart's skillful use of language and metaphor creates a powerful and evocative work that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading.

If you haven't read this masterpiece yet, I highly recommend that you do. It's a piece of classic poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who loves literature and nature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry In the Orchard: A Masterpiece of Nature and Emotion

Muriel Stuart's Poetry In the Orchard is a timeless piece of literature that captures the essence of nature and the human experience. The poem is a beautiful ode to the beauty and wonder of an orchard, and the emotions that it evokes in the poet. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall impact.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the orchard, with its "boughs of blossom" and "fruit trees in a row." The imagery is rich and evocative, painting a picture of a tranquil and idyllic setting. The poet's use of language is simple yet effective, creating a sense of calm and serenity that sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

As the poem progresses, the poet begins to explore the emotions that the orchard evokes in her. She speaks of the "thrill of wonder" that she feels when she sees the "pink and white" blossoms, and the "joy" that she experiences when she sees the "ripe fruit" hanging from the trees. The language used here is powerful and emotive, conveying the depth of the poet's feelings and the intensity of her experience.

The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as the poet reflects on the transience of life and the passing of time. She speaks of the "briefness" of the blossoms, and the fact that they will soon be gone, replaced by the "fruit that ripens slow." This theme of impermanence is a common one in poetry, but Stuart handles it with a deft touch, using the imagery of the orchard to bring it to life in a fresh and original way.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the poet speaks of the "mystery" of the orchard and the "magic" that it holds. She describes the orchard as a place of "dreams" and "wonder," where the "soul may find release." The language here is mystical and otherworldly, creating a sense of awe and wonder that is truly breathtaking.

Overall, Poetry In the Orchard is a masterpiece of nature poetry, capturing the beauty and wonder of the natural world in a way that is both evocative and deeply emotional. The poem is a testament to the power of language to convey the most profound of human experiences, and a reminder of the magic that can be found in even the most ordinary of places.

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