Letters from Yorkshire (Maura Dooley)

Letters from Yorkshire by Maura Dooley is a poem that explores the theme of love through the lens of a long-distance relationship. The poem consists of a series of letters exchanged between two individuals separated by geographical distance, with one living in Yorkshire and the other in London. Through the letters, the speaker expresses their longing for intimacy and connection, despite the physical separation. The poem celebrates the power of written communication to bridge the gap between lovers and sustain their relationship. You can read the poem below and find analysis further down the page.

Letters from Yorkshire by Maura Dooley

In February, digging his garden, planting potatoes,

he saw the first lapwings return and came

indoors to write to me, his knuckles singing

as they reddened in the warmth.

It’s not romance, simply how things are.

You out there, in the cold, seeing the seasons

turning, me with my heartful of headlines

feeding words onto a blank screen.

Is your life more real because you dig and sow?

You wouldn’t say so, breaking ice on a waterbutt,

clearing a path through snow. Still, it’s you

who sends me word of that other world

pouring air and light into an envelope. So that

at night, watching the same news in different houses,

our souls tap out messages across the icy miles.

Analysis:

Title Significance:

The title "Letters from Yorkshire" immediately establishes the setting and format of the poem. It suggests a series of written correspondences sent from Yorkshire, serving as a metaphor for the communication between the lovers separated by distance.

Themes:

Love and Longing: The poem explores the theme of love through the lens of separation and longing. The letters exchanged between the lovers convey a sense of yearning and desire for intimacy, despite the physical distance between them.

Connection and Communication: "Letters from Yorkshire" celebrates the power of written communication to sustain and strengthen relationships. The letters serve as a means of connection and expression, allowing the lovers to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with each other.

Nature and Landscape: The poem is rich in imagery of the Yorkshire landscape, which serves as a backdrop for the lovers' correspondence. The natural beauty of Yorkshire becomes a symbol of resilience and permanence in the face of distance and separation.

Structure and Form:

The poem is written in free verse, with no strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows for a natural and conversational tone, mirroring the informal style of the letters exchanged between the lovers.

Each stanza of the poem represents a separate letter, with the speaker addressing their lover directly. This creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if the reader is privy to the private correspondence between the lovers.

Imagery and Symbolism:

Yorkshire Landscape: The imagery of the Yorkshire landscape evokes feelings of beauty, tranquillity, and nostalgia. The rolling hills, moors, and valleys of Yorkshire become a symbol of home and belonging for the speaker, connecting them to their roots and heritage.

Seasonal Imagery: References to the changing seasons throughout the poem reflect the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life. The seasonal imagery also serves as a metaphor for the evolving dynamics of the lovers' relationship, as they navigate the challenges of separation and longing.

Language and Tone:

Dooley's language is simple yet evocative, allowing the reader to connect with the speaker's emotions and experiences.

The tone of the poem is tender and intimate, as the speaker addresses their lover directly in each stanza. There is a sense of vulnerability and longing in the speaker's words, as they express their desire for closeness and connection.

Conclusion:

Letters from Yorkshire by Maura Dooley is a poignant exploration of love and connection in the face of geographical distance. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt language, Dooley captures the longing and intimacy shared between the lovers as they exchange letters across the miles. The poem celebrates the enduring power of written communication to sustain and nurture relationships, even in the absence of physical closeness.

You can find analysis of all the AQA Love and Relationships Poetry Anthology Poems here.