As I walked out one harvest night About the stroke of One…
““As I walked out one harvest night About the stroke of One, The Moon attained to her full height Stood beaming like the Sun. She exorcised the ghostly wheat To mute assent in Love's defeat Whose tryst had now begun. The fields lay sick beneath my tread, A tedious owlet cried; The nightingale above my head With this or that replied, Like man and wife who nightly keep Inconsequent debate in sleep As they dream side by side. Your phantom wore the moon's cold mask, My phantom wore the same, Forgetful of the feverish task In hope of which they came, Each image held the other's eyes And watched a grey distraction rise To cloud the eager flame. To cloud the eager flame of love, To fog the shining gate: They held the tyrannous queen above Sole mover of their fate, They glared as marble statues glare Across the tessellated stair Or down the Halls of State. And now cold earth was Arctic sea, Each breath came dagger keen, Two bergs of glinting ice were we, The broad moon sailed between; There swam the mermaids, tailed and finned, And Love went by upon the wind As though it had not been. - Full Moon ””
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 juxtaposes lunar imagery with love’s turmoil, portraying love as a celestial, conflicted force that both illuminates and obscures desire
In simple terms: Love is likened to the moon, beautiful yet confusing and sometimes hindering
Key Takeaway
Recognize love’s dual nature and seek clarity amidst its shadows
Themes
love
conflict
nature
celestial
dualities
Mood
melancholic
reflective
poetic
Type
poetic
romantic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Nighttime walks
- intimate conversations
- artistic inspiration
- emotional reflection
- creative writing
Key Concepts
Romanticism
symbolism
nature metaphor
psychological conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How does the moon symbolize love’s changing phases?
- In what ways do you feel love both illuminates and clouds your path?
A Different Perspective
The dense, archaic language may obscure meaning for modern readers