A Last Word.

Author: Madison Julius Cawein

Not for thyself, but for the sake of Song,
 Strive to succeed as others have, who gave
 Their lives unto her; shaping sure and strong
 Her lovely limbs that made them god and slave.

 Not for thyself, but for the sake of Art,
 Strive to advance beyond the others' best;
 Winning a deeper secret from her heart
 To hang it moonlike 'mid the starry rest.
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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a passionate invocation to artists and creators, a call to strive not for personal glory, but for the enhancement of their respective craft - be it song or art. The recurrent theme is selflessness, urging creators to contribute to their art form for its own sake, not for individual recognition or reward.

The tone is didactic, almost sermon-like, invoking a sense of reverence for the arts and their potential to elevate those who serve them into godlike figures. In terms of structure, the poet employs a traditional rhyming scheme, which lends the verses a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality. This enhances the demanding, instructive tone, and imbues the poem with a sense of solemnity and grandeur.

The poem's standout literary device is its personification of 'Song' and 'Art' as almost divine entities. This serves to underscore the poem's key message: that the pursuit of artistic creation should be conducted almost as a form of worship. The final lines of the poem present the idea of unveiling a 'deeper secret' from the heart of Art, which would then be showcased 'moonlike 'mid the starry rest.' This metaphor not only vividly captures the poet's vision for the artist's role in society, but also neatly ties together the poem's overarching themes of selflessness, reverence for art, and the striving for excellence.

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.