How many meanings may a single sigh
Heave from the bosom; early, yet too late,
I learn’d with sighs to audit mine estate,
While yet I deem'd my hope was only shy
And wishing to be woo’d. Fain to descry
The little cloud I thought could never vex
My vernal season, I would still perplex
With sighs the counsel of my destiny.
Still it moved on, and ever larger grew,
And still I sigh’d and sigh’d —and then I panted;
For now the cloud is huge, and close to view.
It burst; the thunder roar’d, the sharp rain slanted,
The tempest pass’d, and I was almost fain
To sigh forlorn, and hear the sigh again.
I am busy working to bring Hartley Coleridge's "How many meanings" to life through some unique musical arrangements and will have a full analysis of the poem here for you later.
In the meantime, I invite you to explore the poem's themes, structure, and meaning. You can also check out the gallery for other musical arrangements or learn more about Hartley Coleridge's life and contributions to literature.
Check back soon to experience how "How many meanings" transforms when verse meets melody—a unique journey that makes poetry accessible, engaging, and profoundly moving in new ways.