by Whitman · Cluster: Greek Mythology · Lust Sexual Desire · Desire
Abstract
Brief apostrophe to the god of marriage, the swift fierce moment that would kill if prolonged; desire, marriage, transience, love as near-death.
Connections
Topoi: Carpe Diem Motifs: Desire, Marriage Themes & Concepts: Transience, Lust Sexual Desire Forms & Genres: Free Verse
Testo integrale / Full text
Cluster: CHILDREN OF ADAM
O hymen! O hymenee! why do you tantalize me thus?
O why sting me for a swift moment only?
Why can you not continue? O why do you now cease?
Is it because if you continued beyond the swift moment you would
soon certainly kill me?