You Thought I Was That Type

By Anna Akhmatova

Lyric Poem
You thought I was that type: That you could forget me, And that I'd plead and weep And throw myself under the hooves of a bay mare, Or that I'd ask the sorcerers For some magic potion made from roots and send you a terrible gift: My precious perfumed handkerchief. Damn you! I will not grant your cursed soul Vicarious tears or a single glance. And I swear to you by the garden of the angels, I swear by the miracle-working icon, And by the fire and smoke of our nights: I will never come back to you.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem brims with themes of defiance, resiliency, and the bitter aftermath of love. The speaker’s tone is one of strong resolution and even contempt, employing powerful language to emphasize their decision to sever ties with the person they are addressing. The poem takes on an assertive, almost accusatory tone, transforming the speaker's pain and disappointment into a form of empowerment.

The structure of the poem is straightforward, but the poet's use of vivid and evocative imagery adds depth and complexity. References to 'sorcerers', 'magic potion', 'the garden of the angels', and 'the miracle-working icon' lend the poem a mythical quality, elevating the speaker's emotions and personal resolution to a larger, almost supernatural scale. The poem also uses the metaphor of the 'precious perfumed handkerchief' as a symbol of the speaker's past affection, a token that they refuse to give, thereby denying the addressee any trace of their lost love. The final pledge of the speaker, with its repeated 'I will never come back to you', serves as a powerful conclusion, underscoring the speaker's resolve and bringing the poem to a decisive close.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.