# Tears explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Edward Thomas.

## What happens

The speaker reflects on a profound emotional numbness, recalling two vivid memories: a hunt in Blooming Meadow and a serene April morning in a Tower courtyard where soldiers and music revealed forgotten truths.

## Themes in this chapter

### Memory and Time

The speaker recalls two distinct past days, emphasizing the fleeting nature of beauty and truth.

### Solitude and Reflection

The April morning is marked by 'strange solitude and silence,' prompting deep personal insight.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The speaker who has no tears left and recalls past moments of beauty and truth.

## Key lines

> It seems I have no tears left. They should have fallen— Their ghosts, if tears have ghosts, did fall—that day When twenty hounds streamed by me...

I feel emotionally drained, as if I've already cried all possible tears, even the memory of them, on the day I saw the hounds rush past.

_The speaker describes a past emotional release tied to a hunting scene._

> Strange solitude was there and silence. A mightier charm than any in the Tower Possessed the courtyard. They were changing guard Soldiers in line, young English countrymen, Fair-haired and ruddy, in white tunics. Drums And fifes were playing 'The British Grenadiers.'

An unusual quiet and isolation filled the courtyard, more enchanting than the Tower itself, as soldiers in white uniforms changed guard to the tune of 'The British Grenadiers.'

_The speaker recalls a moment of profound beauty and truth during a military ceremony._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_5_se/chapters/tears
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_5_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_5_se/chapters