A Dark Month / From Swinburne's Collected Poetical Works Vol. V

Name: A Dark Month / From Swinburne's Collected Poetical Works Vol. V
Author: Algernon Charles Swinburne

By Algernon Charles Swinburne

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Poetry

About This Book

The speaker records a period of acute grief over the absence of a young child, rendering bright spring days as dim and the month as though stripped of sunlight and song. Natural imagery—May blossoms, birds, wind, a firefly—contrasts external fertility with interior desolation. Memories of shared stories and readings, with literary allusion, intensify longing; small signs, a hand at the door, and imagined returns alternate with despair. Time bends under sorrow, yielding elegiac reflections on hope, the insufficiency of outward beauty, and the ache for the child’s voice to restore life and meaning.

About the Author

Algernon Charles Swinburne

Algernon Charles Swinburne (1837-1909) was an English poet, playwright, and novelist known for his lyrical and often controversial works. A prominent figure in the Victorian literary scene, he is celebrated for his innovative use of meter and form, particularly in his poetry collections such as "Poems & Ballads." Swinburne's themes often explore love, nature, and the human condition, infused with a sense of rebellion against societal norms. His notable plays, including "Atalanta in Calydon" and "Chastelard," showcase his dramatic talents and deep engagement with classical themes. Swinburne's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on English literature, influencing subsequent generations of poets.