Author: Madison Julius Cawein
The wild oxalis Among the valleys Lifts up its chalice Of pink and pearl; And, balsam-breathing, From out their sheathing, The myriad wreathing Green leaves uncurl. The whole world brightens With spring, that lightens The foot that frightens The building thrush; Where water tosses On ferns and mosses The squirrel crosses The beechen hush. And vision on vision, Like ships elysian On some white mission, Sails cloud on cloud; With scents of clover The winds brim over, And in the cover The stream is loud. 'Twixt bloom that blanches The orchard branches Old farms and ranches Gleam in the gloam; 'Mid blossoms blowing, Through fields for sowing, The cows come lowing, The cows come home. Where ways are narrow, A vesper-sparrow Flits like an arrow Of living rhyme; The red sun poises, And farmyard noises Mix with glad voices Of milking-time. When dusk disposes Of all its roses, And darkness closes, And work is done, A moon's white feather In starry weather And two together Whose hearts are one.
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 vivid celebration of nature and the pastoral life, painted in rich, vibrant imagery. The poet captures the essence of spring and rural life, using an array of colors, sounds, and textures to construct a multisensory experience. The thematic progression of the poem takes us through a day in the countryside, from the morning's awakening flora to the evening's serene tranquility.
The poem's structure, marked by a consistent rhyme scheme and regular meter, underscores the rhythms of nature and rural life, creating a sense of harmonious cyclicity. The poet employs an array of literary devices such as similes, personification, and alliteration, which further enrich the sensory tapestry. The use of personification (“The whole world brightens with spring”) imbues nature with a lively, active presence, while the simile (“Flits like an arrow of living rhyme”) creates a dynamic image that blends the visual and auditory realms. The alliteration (“balsam-breathing,” “beechen hush”) adds a musical quality, heightening the poem's immersive, sensory appeal.
The tone of the poem is predominantly joyful and serene, capturing the delight and tranquility of being in harmony with the natural world. The closing lines, “A moon's white feather in starry weather and two together whose hearts are one,” leave us with a sense of peaceful togetherness, suggesting a broader theme of unity and connection — not only between two individuals, but also between humanity and nature.
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.