# XXXI: O, It Was Out by Donnycarney explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by James Joyce.

## What happens

The narrator recalls a romantic evening walk with his beloved in Donnycarney, where the natural setting—bats flying between trees and a murmuring summer wind—frames their intimate exchange. The beloved's sweet words and a kiss softer than the summer breeze are remembered as a perfect, fleeting moment of love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Love and Longing

The chapter centers on a cherished memory of walking with the beloved, her sweet words, and a tender kiss, emphasizing romantic intimacy.

### Nature and Mood

The bat flying from tree to tree and the murmuring summer wind create a serene, romantic atmosphere that mirrors the lovers' emotions.

## Character check-ins

### Narrator

The speaker who recalls walking with his love and receiving her kiss.

### Beloved

The beloved who speaks sweet words and gives a gentle kiss to the narrator.

## Key lines

> O, it was out by Donnycarney When the bat flew from tree to tree My love and I did walk together; And sweet were the words she said to me.

It was in Donnycarney, as bats flitted between trees, that my beloved and I strolled, and her words to me were delightful.

_Sets the scene of a romantic evening walk in a specific Dublin locale._

> Along with us the summer wind Went murmuring—O, happily!— But softer than the breath of summer Was the kiss she gave to me.

The summer breeze rustled joyfully around us, yet her kiss was even gentler than that warm wind.

_Highlights the tenderness of the beloved's kiss, surpassing the natural beauty around them._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_11_se/chapters/xxxi-o-it-was-out-by-donnycarney
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_11_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_11_se/chapters