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Summer set lip to earth's bosom bare, And left the flushed…

“Summer set lip to earth's bosom bare, And left the flushed print in a poppy there: Like a yawn of fire from the grass it came, And the fanning wind puffed it to flapping flame. With burnt mouth red like a lion's it drank The blood of the sun as he slaughtered sank, And dipped its cup in the…” quote by Francis Thompson
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“Summer set lip to earth's bosom bare, And left the flushed print in a poppy there: Like a yawn of fire from the grass it came, And the fanning wind puffed it to flapping flame. With burnt mouth red like a lion's it drank The blood of the sun as he slaughtered sank, And dipped its cup in the purpurate shine When the eastern conduits ran with wine.”

Francis Thompson

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem describes a vivid, fiery natural scene, likening it to a lion drinking the sun’s blood, evoking intense, elemental imagery.

In simple terms: A vivid, fiery description of nature’s power and transformation.

Key Takeaway

Appreciate the raw energy of natural cycles.

Themes

nature energy transformation

Mood

passionate dramatic

Type

poetic symbolic

When to use this quote

  • summer heat
  • wildfire
  • sunset
  • natural cycles

Key Concepts

imagery symbolism mythic resonance

Practical Applications

  • creative writing
  • visual description

Questions to Reflect On

  • What emotions does the fiery imagery evoke?
  • How does the poem connect natural and human forces?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may obscure literal meaning for some readers.

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