Dogtown

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    Far as the eye can see the land is grey,     And desolation sits among the stones     Looking on ruin who, from rocks like bones,     Stares with a dead face at the dying day.     Mounds, where the barberry and bay hold sway,     Show where homes rose once; where the village crones     Gossiped, and man, with many sighs and groans,     Laboured and loved and went its daily way.     Only the crow now, like a hag returned,     Croaks on the common that its hoarse voice mocks.     Meseems that here the sorrow of the earth     Has lost herself, and, with the past concerned,     Sits with the ghosts of dreams that haunt these rocks,     And old despairs to which man's soul gave birth.

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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 poignant exploration of desolation, loss, and the passage of time. The grey, barren landscape described in the opening lines serves as a metaphor for despair and desolation, evoking a sense of abandonment and decay. This is a place where human life and activity once thrived, as suggested by the mounds where homes once stood, and the mention of village crones and the labours of man. Now, however, only the harsh, mocking voice of the crow can be heard, symbolizing the cruel and relentless march of time.

The tone of the poem is somber, resonating with a profound sense of sadness and longing for a past that is irretrievably lost. The structure of the poem, with its elegantly crafted rhymes and rhythm, adds to the melancholic atmosphere. The use of personification, such as "desolation sits among the stones" and "ruin...stares with a dead face," further enhances the sense of desolation and ruin. The final lines suggest a deep, existential sorrow that permeates the earth itself and is linked to the "ghosts of dreams" and "old despairs" of mankind. This poem, therefore, is not just a lament for a lost village but a meditation on the transience of life and the universal human experience of loss and regret.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.