Nadir

Read 'Nadir' by 'Elinor Wylie' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Nadir by Elinor Wylie

 If we must cheat ourselves with any dream, 
Then let it be a dream of nobleness: 
Since it is necessary to express 
Gall from black grapes--to sew an endless seam 
With a rusty needle--chase a spurious gleam 
Narrowing to the nothing through the less-- 
Since life's no better than a bitter guess, 
And love's a stranger--let us change the theme.

Let us at least pretend--it may be true-- 
That we can close our lips on poisonous 
Dark wine diluted by the Stygean wave; 
And let me dream sublimity in you, 
And courage, liberal for the two of us: 
Let us at least pretend we can be brave.

Form: Italian Sonnet Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace