Beetle And Moth

By Madison Julius Cawein

I.     There's a bug at night that goes     Drowsily down the garden ways;     Lumberingly above the rose,     And above the jasmine sprays;     Bumping, bungling, buzzing by,     Falling finally, to crawl     Underneath the rose and lie     Near its fairest bud. That's all.     And I ask my father why     This old bug goes by that way:     This is what he has to say:     "That's old Parson Beetle, sonny;     He's in love with some rich flower;     After her and all her honey     And he'll have them in an hour.     He is awkward, but, I say,     With the flowers he has a way;     And, I tell you, he's a power;     Never fails to get his flower:     He's a great old Beetle, sonny." II.     Then again, when it is wet,     And we sit around the lamp,     On the screen, near which it's set,     Comes a fluttering, dim and damp,     Of white, woolly wings; and I     Go to see what's there and find     Something like a butterfly,     Beating at the window-blind.     And I ask my father why     This strange creature does that way:     This is what he has to say:     "Lady Moth that; she's the fashion:     Fall's in love with all bright things:     She has a consuming passion     For this light: will singe her wings.     Once it was a star, you know,     That she loved. I told you so!     Take her up. What lovely rings     On her scorched and dainty wings!     It's a pity, but the fashion."

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a charming narrative that uses the natural world to explore themes of love, persistence, and the often tragic beauty of desire. The poet employs two insects - a beetle and a moth - as metaphors to illustrate these themes. The beetle, regardless of its awkwardness, is steadfast in its pursuit of the flower, which seems to represent a rich love or perhaps a lofty ambition. The speaker's father's response suggests admiration for the beetle's tenacity, emphasizing the power in persistence.

The second insect, a moth, is drawn destructively towards the light, mirroring a tragic fascination with things that are potentially harmful. It's a classic symbol of the fatal attraction, a theme also prevalent in literature and art. The moth is portrayed as a victim of its own desires, illuminating the destructive aspects of infatuation or obsession.

The poem's tone is tender and a bit melancholic, underscored by the father's patient explanations to the inquisitive child. The structure of the poem, with its repeating pattern of question and answer, effectively emphasizes the child's curiosity and the father's wisdom. Key literary devices include metaphor, alliteration, and personification, all contributing to the poem’s vivid imagery and emotional depth. The poet masterfully uses these devices to bring the insects to life, attributing to them human emotions and experiences, and thus making the poem relatable for readers.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.


Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.