Perfidy

Read 'Perfidy' by 'D. H. Lawrence' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Perfidy by D. H. Lawrence

 Hollow rang the house when I knocked on the door,
And I lingered on the threshold with my hand 
Upraised to knock and knock once more: 
Listening for the sound of her feet across the floor,
Hollow re-echoed my heart.

The low-hung lamps stretched down the road
With shadows drifting underneath, 
With a music of soft, melodious feet 
Quickening my hope as I hastened to meet
The low-hung light of her eyes.

The golden lamps down the street went out,
The last car trailed the night behind; 
And I in the darkness wandered about 
With a flutter of hope and of dark-shut doubt
In the dying lamp of my love.

Two brown ponies trotting slowly 
Stopped at a dim-lit trough to drink: 
The dark van drummed down the distance slowly;
While the city stars so dim and holy 
Drew nearer to search through the streets.

A hastening car swept shameful past, 
I saw her hid in the shadow, 
I saw her step to the curb, and fast 
Run to the silent door, where last 
I had stood with my hand uplifted.
She clung to the door in her haste to enter,
Entered, and quickly cast 
It shut behind her, leaving the street aghast.

Form: Narrative 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