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poetry help - seamus heaney

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  • 27-04-2009 8:56pm
    #1
    likely_lass
    Closed Accounts Posts: 335 ✭✭


    Im finding this one pretty difficult to understand


    The Haw Lantern (Seamus Heaney)
    The wintry haw is burning out of season,
    crab of the thorn, a small light for small people,
    wanting no more from them but that they keep
    the wick of self-respect from dying out,
    not having to blind them with illumination.

    But sometimes when your breath plumes in the frost
    it takes the roaming shape of Diogenes
    with his lantern, seeking one just man;
    so you end up scrutinized from behind the haw
    he holds up at eye-level on its twig,
    and you flinch before its bonded pith and stone,
    its blood-prick that you wish would test and clear you,
    its pecked-at ripeness that scans you, then moves on.


    im guessing its about a relationship close to him ? what is a haw lantern ? just finding it pretty difficult any help would be appreciated


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