Forgetfulness is like a song
That, freed from beat and measure, wanders.
Forgetfulness is like a bird whose wings are reconciled,
Outspread and motionless, —
A bird that coasts the wind unwearyingly.

Forgetfulness is rain at night,
Or an old house in a forest, — or a child.
Forgetfulness is white, — white as a blasted tree,
And it may stun the sybil into prophecy,
Or bury the Gods.

I can remember much forgetfulness.

Analysis, meaning and summary of Hart Crane's poem Forgetfulness

4 Comments

  1. Lenka says:

    I have a presentation about Hart Crane but I am not from English speaking country so it is really hard form me to understand his poems. I would be happy if anyone tries to help me with analyzing one of his poem. I need it very quickly. If you are able to help me, please, let me know on my e-mail address. Thanks

  2. ea says:

    what a stunning little poem. I love Hart Crane but I’ve never read this before so I’m glad it was up as poem of the day. He speaks about how white can stun the sybil out of silence_ that is so what it takes. The white of the clouds and fresh paper, blank screen. I do wish the poems showed about the comments so we could be reading them as we make the comments. A most inspiring poem. Thanks.

  3. Jessica says:

    The “white Blsted tree” is a tree that was destroyed or deformed in some way and a sybil is a woman who is also a psychic. She is mostly in Greek Mythology. She can tell the future or depict past events.

  4. Silvia says:

    Line 8: “Forgetfulness is white,-white as a blasted tree”

    What does “a blasted tree” mean?

    Line 9: “And it may stun the sybil into prophecy”

    What is “sybil”?…

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