May be about to embarrass myself here, but: I've always been a little puzzled by the bit about the iron gates. Is it a reference to some kind of game? Seems like he was about to suggest rolling that ball of pleasures through those gates, but instead it's "rough strife." ?
It's a weird image, and people (including me --- notice that I slid right on past without talking about it!) seem not to know exactly what to make of it. I've seen suggestions that it's a reference to her well-guarded reproductive anatomy, and that seems plausible. But I've also seen suggestions that it implies social restraints and sexual prohibitions, which he means (with her help) to gatecrash. I think in this context the ball of pleasures is more like a cannonball than a kickball.
May be about to embarrass myself here, but: I've always been a little puzzled by the bit about the iron gates. Is it a reference to some kind of game? Seems like he was about to suggest rolling that ball of pleasures through those gates, but instead it's "rough strife." ?
It's a weird image, and people (including me --- notice that I slid right on past without talking about it!) seem not to know exactly what to make of it. I've seen suggestions that it's a reference to her well-guarded reproductive anatomy, and that seems plausible. But I've also seen suggestions that it implies social restraints and sexual prohibitions, which he means (with her help) to gatecrash. I think in this context the ball of pleasures is more like a cannonball than a kickball.
Cannonball vs. social restraints is a plausible understanding. Anyway I'm glad to know I wasn't missing something obvious.
Wonderful poem.
I wonderful poem, indeed. Recently, reread it from Douglas Murray's weekly poem recitals, that lasted a year. Good to see it again.
Glad you enjoyed it! It was fun to revisit and think about.