Right after you speak, your meaning seems plain—but my eyes meet yours, and with your cheeks and hair, you tell me something wiser, darker, and completely different. It’s as if a lark, known for its high, soaring song, suddenly nestles into dust, loving it, just before it must take off. The bird becomes a “black star,” a floating mote of singing dust that dreams but sheds no light. This strange, beautiful image captures the hidden depth the speaker perceives. He understands that what might look like lust is actually love—something more profound and secret. The poem creates an intimate, hushed mood, full of quiet revelation, as if a deeper truth passes between two people in a single glance.
After You Speak — Summary
AFTER you speak And what you meant Is plain, My eyes Meet yours that mean-- With your cheeks and hair-- Something more wise, More dark, And far different. Even so the lark Loves dust And nestles in it The minute Before he must Soar in lone flight So far, Like a black star He seems-- A mote Of singing dust Afloat Above, That dreams And sheds no light. I know your lust Is love.