Author: Madison Julius Cawein
The gods are dead; but still for me Lives on in wildwood brook and tree Each myth, each old divinity. For me still laughs among the rocks The Naiad; and the Dryad's locks Drop perfume on the wildflower flocks. The Satyr's hoof still prints the loam; And, whiter than the wind-blown foam, The Oread haunts her mountain home. To him, whose mind is fain to dwell With loveliness no time can quell, All things are real, imperishable. To him - whatever facts may say - Who sees the soul beneath the clay, Is proof of a diviner day. The very stars and flowers preach A gospel old as God, and teach Philosophy a child may reach; That cannot die; that shall not cease; That lives through idealities Of Beauty, ev'n as Rome and Greece. That lifts the soul above the clod, And, working out some period Of art, is part and proof of God.
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 poem is a profound exploration of the spiritual connection between nature and humanity. The overarching theme is the enduring power of myth and divinity, particularly in the context of natural beauty. Despite the opening line's assertion that "The gods are dead," the poem argues the opposite – that these divine entities live on in nature, embodying the brooks, trees, rocks, and mountains. The poem’s tone is reverential and somewhat defiant, persisting in seeing and believing in the old gods despite modernity's dismissal.
The poem's structure is consistent, with each stanza contributing to the development of the central theme. The poet employs vivid and evocative imagery, personifying elements of nature as the Naiad, Dryad, Satyr, and Oread, all figures from ancient mythology. This not only illustrates the enduring presence of these mythological figures, but also symbolizes the continuous dialogue between nature and humanity.
The poet also uses a range of literary devices, with a notable one being the metaphoric representation of the stars and flowers as preachers of a divine gospel. This suggests that the wisdom of the divine is accessible to all, even a child. The concluding lines point to the transformative power of beauty and art, which lift the soul and provide tangible evidence of God. This poem thus offers a spiritual perspective on reality that transcends the mundane and reaches for the divine.
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:
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.