Before The Temple

By Madison Julius Cawein

Narrative Poem
I.     All desolate she sate her down     Upon the marble of the temple's stair.     You would have thought her, with her eyes of brown,     Flushed cheeks and hazel hair,     A dryad dreaming there. II.     A priest of Bacchus passed, nor stopped     To chide her; deeming her whose chiton hid     But half her bosom, and whose girdle dropped     Some grief-drowned Bassarid,     The god of wine had chid. III.     With wreaths of woodland cyclamen     For Dian's shrine, a shepherdess drew near,     All her young thoughts on vestal beauty, when     She dare not look for fear     Behold the goddess here! IV.     Fierce lights on shields of bossy brass     And helms of gold, next from the hills deploy     Tall youths of Argos. And she sees him pass,     Flushed with heroic joy,     On towards the siege of Troy.

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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 vivid tableau, steeped in classicism and rich with atmospheric detail. It is structured in four numbered stanzas and employs a vivid narrative, drawing heavily from Greek mythology and Hellenic imagery. The poem's primary theme seems to be the intersection of the human and the divine, as embodied by the central figure - a woman, perhaps mortal, perhaps mythical, who assumes different identities in the eyes of the beholders.

The poem's tone is elegiac and melancholic, marked especially in the first stanza's depiction of the woman as "desolate." Yet, there's a subtle undercurrent of empowerment, as she is mistaken for divine entities by a priest and a shepherdess. The poet uses the literary device of ekphrasis, a vivid description of a scene, to imbue each stanza with a rich, visual quality, bringing to life the grandeur of Greek mythology and its associated figures.

The poem's final stanza introduces a shift in focus to "Tall youths of Argos," with a clear reference to the legendary siege of Troy, suggesting a possible thematic exploration of war, heroism, and their impacts on the individual. The poem, thus, serves as a meditation on the nuances of perception, the fine line between the mortal and the divine, and the transformative impacts of war on personal and societal levels.

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.