In An Old Garden

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    The Autumn pines and fades      Upon the withered trees;     And over there, a choked despair,      You hear the moaning breeze.     The violets are dead;      Dead the tall hollyhocks,     That hang like rags on the wind-crushed flags,      And the lilies' livid stocks.     The wild gourd clambers free      Where the clematis was wont;     Where nenuphars waxed thick as stars      Rank weeds stagnate the font.     Yet in my dreams I hear      A tinkling mandolin;     In the dark blue light of a fragrant night      Float in and out and in.     And the dewy vine that climbs      To my lady's lattice sways,     And behind the vine there come to shine      Two pleasant eyes and gaze.     And now a perfume comes,      A swift Favonian gust;     And the shrinking grass where it doth pass      Bows slave-like to the dust.     In dreams I see her drift      A mist of drapery;     In her jeweled shawl divinely tall,      A Dian deity.     The moon broods high and full      O'er the broken Psyche cold,     And there she stands her dainty hands      And thin wrists warm with gold.     But lovers now are dead,      The air is stung with frosts;     And naught may you find save the homeless wind,      Dead violets' ghosts and ghosts.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a poignant exploration of the transition from life to decay, from vibrancy to desolation, and from love to loss, set against the backdrop of the changing seasons. The poet uses vivid language and powerful imagery to paint a detailed picture of Autumn, a season often associated with decay, death, and melancholy. The use of nature imagery, such as withered trees, dead violets, and wind-crushed flags, is particularly effective in conveying a sense of despair and desolation, which is further accentuated by the mournful tone of the poem.

The second half of the poem, however, introduces a contrasting theme of enduring love and romantic longing, manifested through dream sequences. This shift is marked by sensory details like the tinkling mandolin, the dewy vine, the fragrant night, and the pleasant gaze — all of which serve to evoke an atmosphere of love and longing. The transition is striking, offering a sense of hope and beauty amidst the desolation. The poem concludes with a somber return to the theme of decay and death, reminding the reader of the transient nature of life and love. The use of repetition, especially in the final line, underscores this theme, adding a haunting resonance to the whole narrative. In terms of structure, the poem follows a consistent rhyming scheme, which contributes to its musical quality, enhancing the overall reading experience.

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.