In "All in green went my love riding," Cummings cleverly weaves ancient mythology into a modern poetic tapestry to explore themes of passion and the cycle of life and death. This evocative piece draws from the myth of Diana and Actaeon, yet it speaks to a contemporary audience through its vibrant imagery and symbolism. The poem’s structure and imagery create a vivid narrative that captures both beauty and impending doom.

Mythical Allusions and Courtly Themes

"All in green went my love riding" revisits the ancient myth of Diana—or Artemis, as known in Greek mythology—and the ill-fated hunter Actaeon. In this mythological tale, Diana, the goddess and protector of wildlife, transforms Actaeon into a stag after he stumbles upon her in a vulnerable moment. Cummings reimagines this transformation, telling the tale through a sequence of fourteen stanzas, each brushing a vivid image of pursuit and consequence.

Rich Imagery and Symbolism

The poem bursts with color and vivid images that evoke both beauty and terror. The green clothing of the lover, the golden hue of the horse, the shimmer of a silver dawn, the deep red of the roebuck, and the stark white of the water are all meticulously detailed, creating a sensory-rich environment. Additionally, the numerical precision—four hounds, four deer—adds to the haunting elegance of the scene. These elements paint a picture where the allure of nature and companionship intertwine with an eerie sense of foreboding.

Diana's Perspective: A Story of Pursuit and Transformation

The narrative unfolds through the eyes of Diana, chronicling the chase from Actaeon’s initial departure to his tragic demise, and finally, Diana’s fainting spell. Despite its seemingly grim ending, the poem transcends themes of death and finality. Instead, it pulsates with life, as the lovers' shared ecstasy harmonizes with the cyclical recurrence of the poem’s opening and closing lines, with a slight modification in the conclusion. This repetition binds the lovers and their experiences, much like the color green symbolizes life and continuity, linking them in a perpetual dance of existence.