Floridian

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
I.     The cactus and the aloe bloom     Beneath the window of your room;     Your window where, at evenfall,     Beneath the twilight's first pale star,     You linger, tall and spiritual,     And hearken my guitar.     It is the hour     When every flower     Is wooed by moth or bee     Would, would you were the flower, dear,     And I the moth to draw you near,     To draw you near to me,     My dear,     To draw you near to me. II.     The jasmine and bignonia spill     Their balm around your windowsill;     The sill where, when magnolia-white,     In foliage mists, the moon hangs far,     You lean with bright deep eyes of night     And hearken my guitar.     It is the hour     When from each flower     The wind woos fragrances     Would, would you were the flower, love,     And I the wind to breathe above,     To breathe above and kiss,     My love,     To breathe above and kiss.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem beautifully interweaves themes of nature, longing, and romantic love, all set against the backdrop of evening's arrival. The poet uses vivid imagery and sensory details to create a rich tapestry of the natural world, with plants like the cactus, aloe, jasmine, and bignonia framing the scenes. These botanical elements not just set the stage but also symbolize resilience, beauty, sweetness, and passion, further enhancing the romantic sentiments expressed.

The tone of the poem is one of yearning, underscored by the repeated refrain "It is the hour," which emphasizes a sense of both temporal and emotional urgency. The poet uses the metaphors of the moth and bee, and the wind, to express a desire to draw closer and connect more intimately with the beloved. The structure, divided into two sections, mirrors this dual focus on exterior observation and interior emotion. The standout literary device here is the personification of natural elements, which serves to underscore the poem's theme of longing. The poet's use of repetition, particularly in the closing lines of each stanza, imparts a soothing, song-like quality to the poem, fitting, as the poet is metaphorically serenading the beloved with a guitar. Overall, the poem is a poignant expression of romantic yearning, wrapped in the beauty and sensuality of the natural world.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

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:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

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.