A Fairy Cavalier

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    By a mushroom in the moon,      White as bud from budded berry,     Silver buckles on my shoon, -      Ho! the moon shines merry.     Here I sit and drink my grog, -      Stocks and tunic ouphen yellow,     Skinned from belly of a frog, -      Quite a fine, fierce fellow.     My good cloak a bat's wing gave,      And a beetle's wings my bonnet,     And a moth's head grew the brave,      Gallant feather on it.     Faith! I have rich jewels rare,      Rings and carcanets all studded     Thick with spiders' eyes, that glare      Like great rubies blooded.     And I swear, sirs, by my blade,      "Sirrah, a good stabbing hanger!" -     From a hornet's stinger made, -      When I am in anger.     Fill the lichen pottles up!      Honey pressed from hearts of roses;     Cheek by jowl, up with each cup      Till we hide our noses.     Good, sirs! - marry! - 'tis the cock!      Hey, away! the moon's lost fire!     Ho! the cock our dial and clock -      Hide we 'neath this brier.

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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 delightful exploration of a fantastical world, rich with vivid and playful imagery. The speaker is presumably a fairy or some other miniature mythical creature, as suggested by the references to their clothing and accessories made from insects and natural elements. The tone is light and merry, with a touch of whimsy, and the language used is old-fashioned, giving a sense of timelessness and a hint of the pastoral.

The poem utilizes a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, lending it a musical quality that enhances the overall jovial atmosphere. The theme revolves around the celebration of the natural world, albeit from a unique, miniature perspective. It also conveys a sense of revelry and merriment, especially in the stanza about drinking "grog" from "lichen pottles." Key literary devices include metaphor, as seen in the comparison of spiders' eyes to "great rubies blooded," and personification, as shown in the portrayal of the moon as a merry character. The poem's ending, with the arrival of the cock signaling dawn and the end of the festivities, brings a sense of closure to the piece, while also suggesting the cyclical nature of these nocturnal celebrations.

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.