I have eaten
the plums
that were in
the icebox
and which
you were probably
saving
for breakfast
Forgive me
they were delicious
so sweet
and so cold
Summary / Analysis
Williams apologizes for eating someone’s plums, and immediately pleas for forgiveness, as he was seduced by its deliciousness. “This Is Just To Say”, published in 1934, is an iconic example of imagism. Imagism in poetry is the strong favor for precise imagery using clear and sharp language. It is always impressive, when a poet manages to write a poem that both impresses you with its beauty and also dumbfounds you with its simplicity. This poem is easily something you could find yourself telling someone naturally, and yet is endearing and rare enough that you can enjoy reading it.