
This volume gathers a striking range of early poems that capture the restless pulse of early twentieth‑century city life. The verses blend vivid images—yellow fog drifting over windows, cheap hotels and quiet cafés—with a sharp, introspective voice that questions ordinary moments. Readers will find a mix of lyrical experiment and keen observation that feels both timeless and immediate.
At its heart is the iconic monologue of a hesitant, self‑conscious speaker navigating social gatherings, art, and the passage of time. Through repeated doubts—“Do I dare?”—and haunting metaphors like coffee spoons measuring a life, the poem paints a portrait of modern alienation and yearning for meaning. Even without revealing later twists, the piece invites listeners to linger on its rich language and the echo of unanswered questions.
The remaining selections continue this exploration, ranging from brief lyrical sketches to longer meditations, each offering a fresh perspective on love, memory, and the fleeting nature of experience. Together they form a mosaic of voice and vision that rewards careful listening.
Language
en
Duration
~22 minutes (21K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1998-09-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1888–1965
A central voice of literary modernism, his poetry changed what English verse could sound like in the 20th century. Best known for The Waste Land, he also wrote influential criticism and verse drama that shaped generations of readers and writers.
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