In Anna Wickham’s “A Girl in Summer,” a young woman takes the season into her body so fully that her drowsy mood feels as warm as sun-soaked walls. Yellow light seems fertile, making flowers spring from beneath her white breast. Each flower is round like the breast itself and holds a nest where a young bird sings. The bird rejoices in something coming and in a name, while petals leap like flame. By the end, the girl feels sweetly compelled to travel toward a man’s dwelling, as though the singing birds are guiding her. The speaker conveys a sense of ripening desire, sensual fullness, and anticipation—perhaps of love, pregnancy, or both. The mood is dreamy and warm, yet the closing lines add a quiet urgency, pulling the stillness of summer toward a destination.
A Girl in Summer — Summary
She took the summer to her blood Through her sweet mouth. Until her sleepy mood Was warm as sunny walls of the old south.
It seemed the yellow light Had fruitful powers, Beneath her bosom's white Leapt sudden flowers.
Each round as the breast From whose dear core it sprang, And in the middle of each flower a nest, In which a young bird sang;
Sang for joy of a coming And for joy of a name, And the petals of the flower Leapt like flame.
Driving with a sweet compelling Towards his dwelling, As her singing birds were telling.