1. The Ecstasy and End: The poem begins with the speaker recollecting the intoxicating euphoria of love, describing it as a "wave" that swept them off their feet. This initial description sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the intensity of the love experienced. However, the mention of the "end" suggests that this love has come to a conclusion.
2. The Echo: The speaker then goes on to describe how, even though the love is over, its echo lingers on within them like the reverberations of a gong. This imagery conveys the enduring impact and lingering presence of the love, despite its demise.
3. The Desolate Garden: The metaphor of the "garden" is introduced, where love had bloomed and flourished. However, after its end, the garden is left "desolate," devoid of its former vitality and beauty. This desolation symbolizes the barren emotional landscape left behind after the love has faded.
4. Contrasting Emotions: The speaker's emotions are characterized by both "tears" and "laughter." The tears represent the pain and sadness that come with the loss of love, while the laughter symbolizes a sense of relief and liberation. This contrast highlights the complexity and duality of emotions that arise after the end of a relationship.
5. The Longing for Peace: In the final stanza, the speaker expresses a yearning for peace, a refuge from the tumultuous waves of passion and desire that characterized the relationship. This longing signifies the desire for emotional tranquility and inner calm after the storm of love has passed.
"After Love" encapsulates the bittersweet nature of love and the poignant emotions that follow its end. Teasdale's use of vivid imagery, sensory language, and contrasting emotions creates a powerful and deeply resonant portrayal of the complexities of love and loss.