Ghosts

Author: Madison Julius Cawein


    Was it the strain of the waltz that, repeating
    "Love," so bewitched me? or only the gleam
    There of the lustres, that set my heart beating,
    Feeling your presence as one feels a dream?

    For, on a sudden, the woman of fashion,
    Soft at my side in her diamonds and lace,
    Vanished, and pale with reproach or with passion,
    You, my dead sweetheart, smiled up in my face.

    Music, the nebulous lights, and the sifting
    Fragrance of women made amorous the air;
    Born of these three and my thoughts you came drifting,
    Clad in dim muslin, a rose in your hair.

    There in the waltz, that followed the lancers,
    Hard to my breast did I crush you and hold;
    Far through the stir and the throng of the dancers
    Onward I bore you as often of old.

    Pale were your looks; and the rose in your tresses
    Paler of hue than the dreams we have lost;--
    "Who," then I said, "is it sees or who guesses,
    Here in the hall, that I dance with a ghost?"

    Gone! And the dance and the music are ended.
    Gone! And the rapture dies out of the skies.
    And, on my arm, in her elegance splendid,
    The woman of fashion smiles up in my eyes.

    Had I forgotten? and did you remember?--
    You, who are dead, whom I cannot forget;
    You, for whose sake all my heart is an ember
    Covered with ashes of dreams and regret.

Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem explores themes of love, loss, memory, and the contrast between reality and the ethereal. The narrative is centered on the speaker's vivid encounter with the apparition of a lost beloved amidst a grand ballroom dance, painting a poignant picture of past love haunting the present. The tone is melancholic and nostalgic, as the speaker yearns for a love that is no more.

The poem's structure, with the use of rhymed quatrains, provides a rhythmic flow that mirrors the waltz setting, creating a dance between the lines themselves. The poet employs vivid imagery and metaphoric language, such as "the woman of fashion" symbolizing the speaker's present reality and the "dead sweetheart" representing a cherished past. The repeated use of the word "Love" and the image of the "rose", traditional symbols of romance, enhance the theme of lost love. The contrast between the "pale" ghost and the vibrant ballroom setting further underscores the tension between the past and the present. The final lines reveal a poignant truth — the speaker is haunted by regret and the ashes of dreams, a clear indication of the lingering pain of lost love. Despite the glamour and allure of the present, the past continues to cast a long shadow over the speaker's heart.

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.