I asked Selene
"Will you be my lover?" She smiled and said "Meet me by the river when dusk begins to fall" I went down
to the river and watched her bathe Selene was
the most beautiful girl I had ever seen
She opened her arms
and said "Come into the water lover" I asked her
"But will you be my love?" "Yes I will be your love" Selene smiled and said
We met each night
by the river bank and we loved till dawn
but each night
I could see more shadows in her eyes and by the eighth and twentieth night she had vanished from my life
Part of the Old Stories cycle of poems
A few words about the poem…
A Tale of Transient Love and Loss | Melancholy Poems
In "Selene," from the series Melancholy Poems and titled after the ancient Greek word for Moon, the poem intertwines themes of desire, beauty, and transience with the symbolic imagery of the moon's cyclical phases. The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of nightly encounters by the river, reminiscent of the rhythmic pattern of the 28-day lunar cycle. The protagonist, intrigued by Selene's allure, seeks her affection in their meetings by the river, which serve as liminal spaces where reality merges with desire.
Initially, Selene's response to the narrator's question hints at the ephemeral nature of their connection, as she sets a rendezvous at dusk by the river. This sets the tone for their subsequent encounters, characterized by passion and intimacy. The imagery of Selene bathing in the waters evokes a sense of purity and sensuality, heightening the romantic atmosphere.
The narrator's infatuation with Selene is palpable, describing her as the epitome of beauty. However, as their relationship progresses, subtle hints of uncertainty and foreboding emerge. The shadows in Selene's eyes serve as a metaphor for hidden depths within her character, hinting at an underlying darkness or mystery.
Despite the narrator's longing for Selene's love, her eventual disappearance after twenty-eight nights mirrors the moon's vanishing, underscoring the transient nature of human connections. The abrupt ending leaves the narrator grappling with unanswered questions and a sense of loss, highlighting the fleeting nature of romance and the inevitability of separation.
In conclusion, "Selene" explores themes of desire, beauty, and impermanence through evocative imagery and poignant storytelling. The poem's depiction of fleeting love and elusive beauty resonates with readers, inviting reflection on the complexities of human relationships and the passage of time.
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