May Summary

The month of May is described in the first verse as bright and summery; a time for new opportunities with eggs waiting to be hatched and poppies not yet flowering. The second verse describes what happens after the month of May has passed. The joys and happiness felt in May have disappeared, leaving the narrator old, grey and washed out.

May Analysis

The brevity of love is explored. Love is seen as a negative and consuming thing that can bring great pleasure, yet whose long-term effect is destructive. The destructive effect of love is felt more keenly as it is compared to feelings of life and happiness associated with the month of May. The lightness and the happiness of the first verse enhances the misery and woe felt in the second verse.