A Dead Lily

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    I     The South had saluted her mouth     Till her mouth was sweet with the South.     II     And the North with his breathings low     Made the blood in her veins like his snow.     III     And the West with his smiles and his art     Poured his honey of life in her heart.     IV     And the East had in whisperings told     His secrets more precious than gold.     V     So she grew to a beautiful thought     Which a godhead of love had wrought.     VI     As strange how the power begot it     As why - but to kill it and rot it.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a beautiful exploration of the theme of transformation and the influence of external forces on identity. The four cardinal directions - South, North, West, and East - are personified as entities that bestow their unique attributes on a woman, leading to her metamorphosis. The South brings sweetness, the North cold strength, the West enriches her with joy and creativity, and the East imparts wisdom. This treatment of geographical directions as symbolizing different influences is a striking literary device, underlining the diversity of life's experiences that shape us.

The tone of the poem shifts dramatically in the last two stanzas, introducing a sense of melancholy and bitterness. After all the growth and blossoming, the final lines reveal that this beautiful thought, or perhaps the woman herself, is doomed to be destroyed. This unexpected twist adds a layer of tragedy and existential questioning to the poem. The structure of the poem, comprising of concise two-line stanzas, facilitates this swift shift in tone, underscoring the abruptness of life's vicissitudes. Thus, the poem beautifully juxtaposes the themes of creation and destruction, suggesting the impermanence of beauty and the seemingly inexplicable cruelty of existence.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.