Love Cycle by Chinua Achebe

Line by Line Analysis 

1. "At dawn slowly"

• Analysis: The poem begins with a tranquil and reflective tone, setting the scene at dawn, a time symbolic of new beginnings and the start of a new day.

2. "the sun withdraws his"

• Analysis: This line personifies the sun, referring to it with masculine pronouns ("his"). The phrase "withdraws his" suggests the sun's gradual movement away from the earth, ending the embrace of its warmth and light.

3. "long misty arms of"

• Analysis: The metaphor of the sun's "long misty arms" continues, evoking an image of the sun's rays stretching across the morning sky like embracing arms. The word "misty" adds a soft and ethereal quality to the imagery.

4. "embrace. Happy lovers"

• Analysis: The poem introduces the theme of love with the phrase "Happy lovers," contrasting the natural imagery of the sun with human emotions. This suggests a parallel between the harmony of nature and the happiness found in romantic relationships.

5. "whose exertions leave"

• Analysis: The focus shifts to the lovers' relationship. "Exertions" imply efforts or actions within their relationship, which are described as leaving no aftertaste or residue of love's combustion, suggesting a smooth and effortless connection.

6. "no aftertaste nor slush"

• Analysis: The absence of "aftertaste" or "slush" indicates a lack of bitterness or heaviness in their relationship. This line emphasizes purity and clarity in their love, devoid of negative emotions.

7. "of love's combustion; Earth"

• Analysis: The phrase "love's combustion" metaphorically describes the intensity of love, likening it to a fire or burning passion. "Earth" symbolizes the grounded nature of their relationship amidst the grandeur of the natural world.

8. "perfumes in dewdrop"

• Analysis: The imagery shifts to the earth perfuming in dewdrop fragrance, evoking a sense of freshness and purity in the natural environment. This imagery contrasts with the intensity of love described earlier.

9. "fragrance wakes"

• Analysis: The waking fragrance suggests a sensory awakening, perhaps symbolizing the renewal and vitality associated with the dawn and new beginnings.

10. "to whispers of"

• Analysis: The gentle and quiet atmosphere is continued with "whispers of," suggesting soft sounds and a peaceful ambiance.

11. "soft-eyed light..."

• Analysis: This phrase describes the gentle, tender quality of the morning light, personifying it as "soft-eyed." It further enhances the serene and tranquil mood of the scene.

12. "Later he"

• Analysis: The poem shifts focus to the sun again, personifying it with "he." This line suggests the passage of time as the day progresses.

13. "will wear out his temper"

• Analysis: This metaphorically describes the sun's journey across the sky throughout the day, suggesting the sun's movement and changing position.

14. "ploughing the vast acres"

• Analysis: The sun's movement across the sky is likened to ploughing vast expanses of heaven, symbolizing its dominance and power over the celestial realm.

15. "of heaven and take it"

• Analysis: The sun's actions are described with possessiveness, indicating its control over the heavens.

16. "out of her in burning"

• Analysis: This line shifts the focus to the effect of the sun's intensity on "her," possibly referring to the moon or symbolically to a personified entity.

17. "darts of anger. Long"

• Analysis: The sun's burning rays are likened to "darts of anger," suggesting intensity or harshness.

18. "accustomed to such caprice"

• Analysis: This phrase implies familiarity with the sun's unpredictable nature or temperament.

19. "she waits patiently"

• Analysis: Despite the sun's intensity, "she" (possibly referring to the moon) patiently endures its cycles and changes.

20. "for evening when thoughts"

• Analysis: The anticipation shifts to evening, symbolizing a time of rest or relief from the sun's intensity.

21. "of another night will"

• Analysis: This line suggests the anticipation of another cycle, possibly referring to the natural rhythm of day and night.

22. "restore his mellowness"

• Analysis: The night restores the sun's "mellowness," implying a return to calmness or gentleness after the intensity of the day.

23. "and her power"

• Analysis: This phrase suggests the moon's influence or control over the sun's intensity or movements.

24. "over him."

• Analysis: The poem concludes with the moon's perceived control over the sun, possibly symbolizing a harmonious balance between nature's elements.