What is the meaning of poem by Ezra Pound Villonaud for This Yule?

The poem "Villonaud for This Yule" by Ezra Pound is a villanelle, a poetry form that consists of six stanzas of three lines, with a refrain repeated after the first and third stanzas and as the final line of the poem. The poem conveys a longing for the return of love while addressing a cold and indifferent winter day.

Here's an interpretation of the poem's meaning:

1. Setting and Atmosphere:

The poem begins by describing a cold, wintry day, with snow falling on fields. This setting creates a feeling of isolation and the speaker's desire for warmth.

2. Refrain:

"Now may the fruit be plucked for this Yule"

The refrain, repeated throughout the poem, expresses a longing for love. "Fruit" becomes a metaphor for love and fulfillment, which the speaker yearns to embrace during this winter season.

3. Imagery:

The imagery in the poem is nature-based and conveys a sense of waiting and yearning. The speaker evokes images of dormant trees, barren lands, and frost, reflecting the coldness of both the season and the speaker's emotional state.

4. Personification:

The speaker personifies winter as a "hoar-handed host," suggesting that winter has an almost human quality of controlling the environment. This personification adds a sense of conflict between the speaker's desire for warmth and the harsh winter that stands in the way.

5. Symbols:

The snow, frost, and barrenness symbolize the speaker's current state of emotional coldness and disconnection from love. The mention of "fruit" is a symbol of the love and fulfillment that the speaker seeks.

6. Contrasts:

The poem highlights contrasts between the cold and barren winter and the warm, fulfilling love the speaker yearns for. This contrast captures the speaker's emotional conflict and longing for a change in their circumstances.

7. Time and Change:

The poem explores the idea of change over time. The references to "this Yule" and "next year" suggest the cyclical nature of time passing, reinforcing the idea that love and fulfillment will eventually return.

In essence, "Villonaud for This Yule" expresses a deep yearning for love during a cold and isolating winter season. The speaker's longing is juxtaposed with the harshness of winter, creating a sense of tension between desire and reality. Pound uses imagery, personification, and symbolism to convey emotional depth and longing, capturing a relatable human experience of seeking warmth and fulfillment amidst cold circumstances.