Explanation of “O may my heart’s truth / Still be sung / On this high hill in a year’s turning’’- Explain
Poem in October is a notable literary work by Dylan Thomas. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Poem in October.
Answer
“O may my heart’s truth / Still be sung / On this high hill in a year’s turning’’- Explain.
The lines “O may my heart’s truth / Still be sung / On this high hill in a Year’s turning” are taken from Dylan Thomas’s (1914-53) iconic poem “Poem in October.” In these lines, the poet reflects on the passage of time and the enduring nature of his truths and emotions.
The phrase “O may my heart’s truth” suggests a deep desire for the core of his innermost feelings and emotions to remain authentic and unchanging. It indicates a hope that the core of his being, his genuine self, will remain unchanged as the years go by. Thomas wishes for his inner truth to endure and remain pure. The mention of “Still be sung” suggests that the poet wants his emotions and truths to be celebrated and expressed, even as time marches on.
He wishes for his innermost self to continue resonating and being acknowledged, like a timeless song that continues to be sung and appreciated. The phrase “On this high hill in a Year’s turning” adds depth to the sentiment. The “high hill” could symbolize a place of reflection and elevation, where one gains perspective and clarity. “A Year’s Turning” signifies the passage of time, and being on this hill during that turning suggests a moment of reflection and contemplation as the seasons change.
These lines convey a poignant expectancy for the enduring significance of the poet’s inner truth and emotions in the face of time’s relentless passage. Dylan Thomas captures the universal human desire for authenticity and the hope that, despite the inevitable life changes, some core truths and emotions will remain unwavering and continue to be celebrated, just as the turning of the seasons is an unavoidable part of the natural world.