After Long Grief

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    There is a place hung o'er of summer boughs     And dreamy skies wherein the gray hawk sleeps;     Where water flows, within whose lazy deeps,     Like silvery prisms where the sunbeams drowse,     The minnows twinkle; where the bells of cows     Tinkle the stillness; and the bobwhite keeps     Calling from meadows where the reaper reaps,     And children's laughter haunts an oldtime house:     A place where life wears ever an honest smell     Of hay and honey, sun and elder-bloom, -     Like some sweet, simple girl, - within her hair;     Where, with our love for comrade, we may dwell     Far from the city's strife, whose cares consume. -     Oh, take my hand and let me lead you there.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem paints a vivid picture of idyllic rural life with its lush imagery and sensory language. The main themes revolve around nature, peace, and simplicity. The poet depicts a place with "summer boughs" and "dreamy skies," where life is unhurried and full of simple, honest pleasures, such as "hay and honey, sun and elder-bloom." This is a stark contrast to the "city's strife," suggesting a longing for escape from urban pressures.

The poem's tone is wistful and serene, underscored by its smooth, rhythmic structure which mirrors the tranquility of the setting. The poet uses several literary devices to bring this bucolic scene to life: simile in the comparison of minnows to "silvery prisms," and personification in the portrayal of life as a "sweet, simple girl." The use of sound, particularly in the "bells of cows" and "children's laughter," further immerses the reader in this peaceful countryside. In the final lines, the poet invites the reader to share in this refuge, offering a hand to lead them into this haven away from the cares of city life.

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.