The Monastery Croft

This poem is a rich exploration of desire, indulgence, and the consequences of yielding or resisting these impulses. In the first part, the imagery of friars indulging in drink paints a vivid picture of pleasure-seeking. The use of religious figures, coupled with the luscious description of grapes fattening with warm moon and sun fires, lends a sense of sanctified indulgence. In contrast, the second part takes a more melancholic turn, depicting a novice grappling with her own desires. The rosary becomes a symbol of restraint and devotion, whereas the falling apple stands for the unfulfilled or relinquished passion.

The poem's tone fluctuates between the celebratory and the contemplative, reflecting the inner struggles of the characters within the monastic setting. Its structure, divided into two distinct sections, serves to contrast these two approaches to desire. The use of enjambment throughout maintains a continuous flow of thought, mirroring the internal monologue. Notably, the poet employs metaphor and symbolism to potent effect - the grapes and apple, for example, can be seen as biblical allusions to temptation and fall, tying into the broader theme of desire and its consequences. This rich interplay of themes and literary devices makes for a layered, thought-provoking piece.