The Roses On The Terrace

By Alfred Lord Tennyson

Sonnet
Rose, on this terrace fifty years ago, When I was in my June, you in your May, Two words, My Rose, set all your face aglow, And now that I am white and you are gray, That blush of fifty years ago, my dear, Blooms in the past, but close to me to-day, As this red rose, which on our terrace here Glows in the blue of fifty miles away.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores themes of love, aging, and memory, underpinned by a sense of nostalgia and a gentle, reflective tone. The poet uses the metaphor of a rose, a universal symbol of love, to represent a cherished memory from his youth; the vivid blush of the rose reflecting the vibrant emotions felt at that moment. The structure of the poem, composed of two connected quatrains, mirrors this journey from past to present, highlighting the enduring nature of love that remains vibrant even as physical youth fades.

The poet's use of color - the 'glow' of the rose, the 'white' and 'gray' of aging, and the 'blue' of distance - creates a vivid visual image that enhances the emotional depth of the poem. The mention of 'fifty miles away' in the final line suggests a physical distance that mirrors the temporal distance between the past and the present. However, by positioning the blooming rose in the present tense, the poet emphasizes that despite the passage of time and the physical changes it brings, the feelings evoked by that memory remain as potent as ever, thus presenting an optimistic perspective on aging and the power of love.

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.