“Gold mouths cry with the green young”

The opening line introduces an unusual image where something valuable, symbolized by “gold mouths,” is shedding tears. The tears are associated with the youthful and vibrant green.

“Certainty of the bronze boy”

The focus shifts to a bronze boy, symbolizing strength and endurance. The use of “certainty” suggests a strong and sure presence.

“Remembering a thousand autumns”

The bronze boy is characterized by a profound memory, recalling a vast number of autumns. This indicates a deep connection with the past.

“And how a hundred thousand leaves”

The imagery continues with a large number of leaves, representing the passage of time and change.

“Came sliding down his shoulder blades”

The leaves are sliding down the boy’s shoulders, suggesting the natural flow of time and change, almost like a visual representation of memories accumulating.

“Persuaded by his bronze heroic reason”

The leaves sliding are influenced by the boy’s strong and reasoned nature, indicating a deliberate acceptance of change and the passage of time.

“We ignore the coming doom of gold”

The poem shifts to a collective perspective, suggesting a deliberate choice to overlook or disregard an impending threat or negative aspect, described as the “coming doom of gold.”

“And we are glad in this bright metal season”

Despite the potential threat, there’s a sense of joy and contentment in the present, referred to as the “bright metal season.”

“Even the dead laugh among the goldenrod”

The idea that even the deceased find joy among the goldenrod, a yellow wildflower, hints at a connection between life and death and the continuity of joy.

“The bronze boy stands kneedeep in centuries,”

Reinforces the boy’s connection to the past, standing amidst centuries, highlighting the weight and depth of history.

“And never grieves,”

Despite the immense history, the bronze boy remains resilient and unaffected by grief, suggesting a stoic acceptance of the past.

“Remembering a thousand autumns,”

Reiterates the boy’s exceptional memory, emphasizing the richness of his experiences.

“With sunlight of a thousand years upon his lips”

The boy is bathed in the metaphorical sunlight of accumulated wisdom and experiences over a thousand years, portraying a profound depth of understanding.

“And his eyes gone blind with leaves.”

The poignant conclusion suggests that the boy’s eyes, perhaps blinded by the leaves of memories, may hinder a clear perception of the present.