Waiting

This poem is rich in its exploration of themes such as solitude, introspection, and the passage of time. The solitary figure, presumably a woman, is depicted in a cozy yet melancholic setting, suggesting introspection and a sense of longing. The rhythmical structure of the poem, with its consistent rhyming pattern, enhances the contemplative nature of the woman's activities, giving it a meditative quality.

The poet uses vivid imagery and metaphor to establish the scene and mood— "the fierce rain on the window spat," "the yellow lamp-glow," and "shadows cloaked the narrow place" all work together to create an intimate, inward-looking atmosphere. Light and shadow are used effectively throughout the poem to highlight the woman’s internal world and her introspective state. Loneliness and longing are suggested through phrases such as "O lingering day!" and "O laggard Time!" The woman's actions—looking out the window, playing with her hair, singing without desire, and examining her work under the lamp—also hint at a desire for something more, perhaps a change or an escape from her present condition. The poem ends on a note of mystery as the woman hides her thoughts away, leaving readers to contemplate her inner world and the meaning of her actions.