High On A Hill

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    There is a place among the Cape Ann hills     That looks from fir-dark summits on the sea,     Whose surging sapphire changes constantly     Beneath deep heavens, Morning windowsills,     With golden calm, or sunset citadels     With storm, whose towers the winds' confederacy     And bandit thunder hold in rebel fee,     Swooping upon the ilsher's sail that swells.     A place, where Sorrow ceases to complain,     And life's old Cares put all their burdens by,     And Weariness forgets itself in rest.     Would that all life were like it; might obtain     Its pure repose, its outlook, strong and high,     That sees, beyond, far Islands of the Blest.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem demonstrates a deep, contemplative connection to nature. The poet creates a vivid image of a peaceful place nestled amongst the Cape Ann hills, overlooking the ever-changing ocean. The poet's use of language paints a vibrant picture of the setting, with "fir-dark summits," "surging sapphire" seas, and "sunset citadels" that can be both calm and stormy. There's a strong sense of contrast in the imagery, as tranquil, serene scenes are juxtaposed with the tumultuous imagery of storms and "bandit thunder."

The tone of the poem is meditative and wistful, hinting at a longing for a life that mirrors the calm, restful, and high perspective of this place. The theme revolves around the desire for escape from life's burdens, weariness, and sorrow. The last lines suggest a yearning for a purer, more peaceful existence that transcends the mundane and reaches the "Islands of the Blest." Structurally, the poem is a sonnet, a form typically associated with love and deep emotion, further underlining the poet's profound connection to this place. Noticeable literary devices include the use of metaphor, personification, and vivid imagery that serve to bring the poem's setting and emotions to life.

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.