Ariel Poems series number 23 printed at the Curwen Press and published by Faber. b&w. wood cut by Gertrude Hermes to front cover with her coloured wood engraving fokkowed by the two page poem. T. S. Eliot's 1929 poem "Animula" (little soul) explores the journey of the human soul, from childhood innocence to adult perplexity, self-imposed constraints, and struggle for meaning in the modern world. The poem uses the concept of the "simple soul" from Dante and Emperor Hadrian's lament to portray the progression of the animula, depicting it as initially pure and progressing through life's complexities, becoming "irresolute and selfish, misshapen, lame" and unable to find spiritual vitality amidst earthly desires and societal pressures. It ultimately concludes with a prayer, symbolizing the soul's continuous journey of "death" and "rebirth" or the ultimate coming into spiritual meaning.