Anticipation.

Author: Madison Julius Cawein


    Windy the sky and mad;
     Surly the gray March day;
    Bleak the forests and sad,
     Sad for the beautiful May.

    On maples tasseled with red
     No blithe bird swinging sung;
    The brook in its lonely bed
     Complained in an unknown tongue.

    We walked in the wasted wood:
     Her face as the Spring's was fair,
    Her blood was the Spring's own blood,
     The Spring's her radiant hair,

    And we found in the windy wild
     One cowering violet,
    Like a frail and tremulous child
     In the caked leaves bowed and wet.

    And I sighed at the sight, with pain
     For the May's warm face in the wood,
    May's passions of sun and rain,
     May's raiment of bloom and of bud.

    But she said when she saw me sad,
     "Tho' the world be gloomy as fate,
    And we yearn for the days to be glad,
     Dear heart, we can afford to wait.

    "For, know, one beautiful thing
     On the dark day's bosom curled,
    Makes the wild day glad to sing,
     Content to smile at the world.

    "For the sinless world is fair,
     And man's is the sin and gloom;
    And dead are the days that were,
     But what are the days to come?

    "Be happy, dear heart, and wait!
     For the past is a memory:
    Tho' to-day seem somber as fate,
     Who knows what to-morrow will be?"

    *    *    *    *    *    *    *

    And the May came on in her charms,
     With a twinkle of rustling feet;
    Blooms stormed from her luminous arms,
     And honey of smiles that were sweet.

    Now I think of her words that day,
     This day that I longed so to see,
    That finds her dead with the May,
     And the March but a memory.

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poignant poem skillfully weaves themes of longing, loss, and the cyclical nature of time. The poet uses vivid imagery to depict the transition from the bleakness of March to the vibrant beauty of May, which serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The melancholic tone is established through the description of a 'gray March day', 'lonely bed' of the brook, and the 'wasted wood', which starkly contrasts with the vibrancy of May's 'bloom' and 'bud'. This dichotomy is an effective literary device that enhances the emotive impact of the poem.

The narrative voice alternates between the speaker's mournful longing and the comforting wisdom of the woman, whose optimistic outlook on life provides a counterpoint to the gloom. Her advice to wait and be patient, as 'who knows what tomorrow will be', underscores the theme of hope amidst despair. The structure of the poem, with its rhythmic pattern and rhyming couplets, creates a compelling rhythm that mirrors the cyclical nature of the seasons and life itself. The poignant ending, where the memory of the woman merges with the beauty of May, serves as a powerful reminder of the transient nature of life, while also suggesting that beauty and love can transcend death.

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.