Introductory Phrase?

Question

In this instance, is the phrase "without you" an introductory one which requires a comma after it or is it not? Would the comma imply that the speaker dwells among bleak stars regardless of whether the one they love was around or not?

Without you I dwell among bleak stars
And though you await me in silence,
My every waking dream is haunted
By terrors both cruel and relentless.

Thanks in advance,
Emma

Enoon · Accepted Answer

sailsofoblivionIn this instance, is the phrase "without you" an introductory one which requires a comma after it or is it not?

That is entirely your choice. When you write poetry, you're on your own.

sailsofoblivionWould the comma imply that the speaker dwells among bleak stars regardless of whether the one they love was around or not?

I'd say the opposite. A comma marks an inversion. The line becomes equivalent to, "I dwell among bleak stars without you." That is read as meaning that your not being around causes me to dwell there.

Sailsofoblivion · Answer

I see, so if I were to include a comma in the fourth line too:

'By terrors, both cruel and relentless'

It would invert the meaning and suggest that she speaker is handed by cruel and relentless terrors?

Thank you so much, that was very helpful!

Enoon · Answer

sailsofoblivionI see, so if I were to include a comma in the fourth line too:'By terrors, both cruel and relentless'It would invert the meaning and suggest that she speaker is handed by cruel and relentless terrors?

No. That is a completely different case. A comma there would make "both cruel and relentless" parenthetical.

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