Dusk

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    Corn-colored clouds upon a sky of gold,     And 'mid their sheaves, - where, like a daisy-bloom     Left by the reapers to the gathering gloom,     The star of twilight glows, - as Ruth, 'tis told,     Dreamed homesick 'mid the harvest fields of old,     The Dusk goes gleaning color and perfume     From Bible slopes of heaven, that illume     Her pensive beauty deep in shadows stoled.     Hushed is the forest; and blue vale and hill     Are still, save for the brooklet, sleepily     Stumbling the stone with one foam-fluttering foot:     Save for the note of one far whippoorwill,     And in my heart her name, - like some sweet bee     Within a rose, - blowing a faery flute.

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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 rich tapestry of vivid and evocative imagery, woven together to create a sense of tranquility, nostalgia, and longing. The opening lines paint a picturesque image of a twilight sky, using the metaphor of "corn-colored clouds" to evoke the warmth and beauty of a harvest season. The comparison of the twilight star to a "daisy-bloom/ Left by the reapers" introduces a theme of solitude and quiet beauty, further amplified by the reference to Ruth from biblical texts, suggesting feelings of homesickness and longing.

The poem's structure is orderly and methodical, adding to the overall sense of tranquility and harmony. The poem is rich in sensory imagery, not just visual but also auditory ("the note of one far whippoorwill") and olfactory ("gleaning color and perfume"). The final lines introduce a personal element, with the mention of a name that stirs the speaker's heart, likened to a "sweet bee/ Within a rose". This beautiful simile serves to emphasize the poem’s themes of remembrance, longing, and deep affection. The tone of the poem is introspective and somewhat melancholic, yet also filled with a gentle, quiet joy. The poet masterfully uses language and literary devices, such as metaphor, simile, and personification to convey these complex emotions.

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.