` The narrator, a widow, is longing for her true love to return to her safely. She pleads with the wind to guide her love's ship back to her and protect them from harm. Despite feeling weary and alone, she continues to wait by the shore, lamenting the absence of her lover. `

Meaning of "Widow with Shawl (A Portrait)" by Donovan

` The lyrics of "Widow with Shawl (A Portrait)" by Donovan portray the deep longing and sorrow of a woman who has been separated from her true love. She is caught in a cycle of waiting and lamenting, dedicating her thoughts and prayers to the safe return of her partner. The imagery of the wind, the sea, and the shore evoke a sense of yearning and isolation, emphasizing the emotional toll of longing for someone who is far away. The mention of dreaming and waking reinforces the idea of a constant state of hope and despair that the widow experiences. The repetition of the verses adds to the sense of longing and waiting, creating a poignant and melancholic tone that captures the essence of unfulfilled love.

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