Choral Scholars of University College Dublin - Silently, She’s Combing

Silently she's combing,

Combing her long hair

Silently and graciously,

With many a pretty air.

The sun is in the willow leaves

And on the dappled grass,

And still she's combing her long hair

Before the looking glass.

I pray you, cease to comb out,

Comb out your long hair,

For I have heard of witchery

Under a pretty air,

That makes as one thing to the lover

Staying and going hence,

All fair, with many a pretty air

And many a negligence.

      This poem presents a serene scene of a woman combing her hair, evoking an ethereal quality through its simple language and imagery. The focus on the woman's actions and the natural surroundings creates a contemplative and almost hypnotic atmosphere. Joyce is known for employing stream-of-consciousness techniques and complex symbolism, but "Silently She's Combing" relies on straightforward imagery and a traditional poetic structure.