Fortune

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Within the hollowed hand of God,     Blood-red they lie, the dice of fate,     That have no time nor period,     And know no early and no late.     Postpone you can not, nor advance     Success or failure that's to be;     All fortune, being born of chance,     Is bastard-child to destiny.     Bow down your head, or hold it high,     Consent, defy--no smallest part     Of this you change, although the die     Was fashioned from your living heart.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under consideration presents a profound and contemplative take on the themes of fate, destiny, and human agency. The poet employs a sombre, somewhat fatalistic tone throughout, fostering an atmosphere of inevitability and resigned acceptance.

The poem's structure comprises of three quatrains, following a rhyming scheme of ABAB, a common form that helps to underscore the universality of its themes. The first stanza introduces the concept of fate as 'dice' within 'the hollowed hand of God', an effective metaphor that conveys the sense of life being a game of chance, beyond our control. The color descriptor 'blood-red' adds a vivid touch, signifying intensity, passion, or even danger.

The following stanzas delve deeper into this concept, elaborating on the impotence of man in the face of destiny. The poet uses contrasting imagery - 'bow down your head, or hold it high' - to suggest that regardless of our response to life's events, we cannot alter the predestined outcome. This fatalistic view challenges the belief in free will and personal agency, asserting that 'all fortune, being born of chance, is a bastard-child to destiny'.

The concluding line is particularly poignant, as it reveals that the 'die' was 'fashioned from your living heart'. This metaphor suggests a personal stake in the randomness of life, a heartrending blend of the personal and the universal, the intimate and the uncontrollable. This line leaves the reader with a lingering sense of the tragic beauty of life's unpredictability. Overall, the poem is a profound meditation on fate and destiny, offering a somber, thought-provoking exploration of life's inherent uncertainties.

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.