Neutral Tones

“Neutral Tones” can be read as poem about the sad conclusion of a love affair that has run its course. Love and/or passion has been replaced with neutrality and boredom. This is clearly expressed in the exchange of dialogue between the couple and the expression on the lover’s face.

The lover’s resigned attitude to the relationship is shown to the speaker through the couple’s exchange of dialogue. Words of love and harmony have been replaced by “some words” (Line 7) that lack any specialness or specificity. They are merely “played between [the lovers] to and fro” (Line 7), a description that suggests rote repetition. There is nothing volatile here. The exchange is neutral, inspiring neither love nor hate. The relationship seems to have devolved into a boring game.

The lover’s facial expression also conveys the truth of the matter. The lover looks at the speaker as if they are tiresome; their eyes seem “as eyes that rove / over tedious riddles of years ago” (Lines 5-6). They are shown as too tired to attempt any strong feeling since they cannot figure out what the speaker wants. This is then heightened by the lover’s smile being “the deadest thing / Alive enough to have strength to die” (Lines 9-10).