Solitude

By James Lister Cuthbertson

Sonnet
    This is the maiden Solitude, too fair     For mortal eyes to gaze on, she who dwells     In the lone valley where the water wells     Clear from the marble, where the mountain air     Is resinous with pines, and white peaks bare     Their unpolluted bosoms to the stars,     And holy Reverence the passage bars     To meaner souls who seek to enter there;     Only the worshipper at Nature's shrine     May find that maiden waiting to be won,     With broad calm brow and meek eyes of the dove,     May drink the rarer ether all divine,     And, earthly toils and earthly troubles done,     May win the longed-for sweetness of her love.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Create Image

Transform this poem into a beautiful shareable image

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Sonnets
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem paints a portrait of Solitude as an ethereal, almost divine being, accessible only to the truly pure of heart. The poem takes the form of a sonnet, adhering to the traditional rhyme scheme and iambic pentameter, lending an air of formality and reverence to the subject. The speaker adopts a grand, almost hymnal tone, using elevated language and imagery to depict Solitude's dwelling place as a pristine, untouched sanctuary. The valley is described with sensory details, emphasizing its purity and tranquility: crystal-clear water, fragrant pine-scented air, and majestic, snow-capped mountains. The image of Solitude herself evokes a sense of serenity and otherworldly beauty, her broad calm brow and meek eyes of the dove suggesting a gentle wisdom and compassion. The poem's volta occurs in the ninth line, shifting from a description of Solitude's dwelling to her nature and availability. The speaker clarifies that only those who approach her with reverence and devotion, the worshipper at Nature's shrine, can truly experience her love. The final couplet offers a glimpse into the reward of this communion, suggesting that Solitude's embrace brings spiritual peace and liberation from earthly concerns. This poem ultimately celebrates the transformative power of solitude, inviting readers to consider its potential for spiritual growth and renewal.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.