- The poem opens with the line, "The smell of it -- of hyacinths," establishing a direct and unadorned connection between the smell of the animal and the fragrance of hyacinths. This comparison is not elaborate or highly metaphorical; it simply suggests a similarity between the two scents.
- The poem progresses with specific details about the animal's fur and its movements. Williams chooses straightforward language to describe the animal's "wet fur" and its actions of "rubbing its face" and "running over the lawn."
- The speaker maintains a sense of detachment but also a subtle sense of wonder at the animal's presence. The tone remains consistent, focused on the sensory experience and the animal's actions, without delving into complex emotions or deep interpretations.
- Williams concludes the poem with the simple statement, "I can't tell where the smell comes from." This admission of uncertainty reinforces the poem's grounding in observation rather than intellectual analysis or emotional intensity.
Overall, "Smell" conveys a tone of unhurried perception, unpretentious enjoyment of a sensory experience, and a respect for the simple moments of life.