In An Annisquam Garden

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    Old phantoms haunt it of the long ago;     Old ghosts of old-time lovers and of dreams:     Within the quiet sunlight there, meseems,     I see them walking where those lilies blow.     The hardy phlox sways to some garment's flow;     The salvia there with sudden scarlet streams,     Caught from some ribbon of some throat that gleams,     Petunia-fair, in flounce and furbelow.     I seem to hear their whispers in each wind     That wanders mid the flowers. There they stand!     Among the shadows of that apple-tree!     They are not dead, whom still it keeps in mind,     This garden, planted by some lovely hand     That keeps it fragrant with its memory.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is rich with themes of memory, time, and the lingering essence of past relationships. The poet uses the garden as a metaphor to evoke a sense of nostalgia and remembrance, portraying it as a space that retains the spirits and memories of past lovers and dreams. The tone is somewhat melancholic and reflective, embodying the poet's longing for the past and their contemplation of the transient nature of life.

The structure of the poem is tight and traditional, adhering to a consistent rhyme scheme which underscores the continuity of memory. The poet employs an array of vivid, sensuous imagery with the use of flowers like lilies, phlox, salvia, and petunia, which serve to map out the garden as a sensory space of memory. The poet's language is both precise and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the garden and its ghostly inhabitants. The use of personification in lines like "The hardy phlox sways to some garment's flow" and "The garden, planted by some lovely hand" further enhances the idea that the garden is a living, breathing entity that keeps the past alive. In conclusion, this poem is a poignant exploration of the enduring power of memory and the beauty of nature as a conduit for human emotion.

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.