Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Her Mouth is a Crushed Flower" by Richard Aldington is a sensuous and emotive poem that vividly captures the intense physical and emotional experience of a romantic and passionate relationship. The poem is divided into five sections, each exploring different aspects of the speaker's deep attraction and connection to their lover's mouth, using rich imagery and sensory language. This style is characteristic of Aldington's work, particularly his focus on clear, vivid imagery to convey deep emotional states.

Section I begins with a metaphor comparing the lover's mouth to a flower that "unpetals marvellously / Beneath my lips." This imagery suggests both delicacy and a blossoming or unfolding quality in their kisses, indicating a sense of discovery and wonder in the physical intimacy they share.

In Section II, the speaker describes the enduring presence of the lover's scent, which lingers "in my mouth and nostrils / After she has gone." This enduring sensory memory emphasizes the deep and lasting impact of their physical closeness, overshadowing other sensory experiences like the taste of wine or other flowers.

Section III focuses on the shared intimacy of their kisses, with the "crimson that dyes her lips" also coloring the speaker's. The imagery of the shared color and the soft caress felt throughout the day highlights the closeness of their connection and the lingering physical sensation of their intimacy.

In Section IV, the speaker describes the profound physical reaction elicited by the lover's kiss, with their blood throbbing "tumultuously" at her touch. The description of the lover as "shudderingly beautiful" conveys a sense of awe and intense attraction, emphasizing the physical and emotional power she holds over the speaker.

Finally, Section V reflects on the emotional comfort and joy the speaker finds in the memory of their lover's kisses. Even in times of sadness and emptiness, the memory of their intimate moments brings a sense of gladness and solace, highlighting the deep emotional connection and the transformative power of their love.

Overall, "Her Mouth is a Crushed Flower" is a celebration of romantic and sensual love, expressed through the vivid and evocative imagery of the lover's mouth. Aldington's use of sensory language and rich metaphors effectively conveys the intensity and depth of the speaker's physical and emotional experience, painting a vivid portrait of passionate love.

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