In Autumn

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
I.     Sunflowers wither and lilies die,     Poppies are pods of seeds;     The first red leaves on the pathway lie,     Like blood of a heart that bleeds.     Weary alway will it be to-day,     Weary and wan and wet;     Dawn and noon will the clouds hang gray,     And the autumn wind will sigh and say,     "He comes not yet, not yet.     Weary alway, alway!" II.     Hollyhocks bend all tattered and torn,     Marigolds all are gone;     The last pale rose lies all forlorn,     Like love that is trampled on.     Weary, ah me! to-night will be,     Weary and wild and hoar;     Rain and mist will blow from the sea,     And the wind will sob in the autumn tree,     "He comes no more, no more.     Weary, ah me! ah me!"

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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 loss and longing, employing the imagery of nature’s decay to mirror the speaker's emotional state. It is divided into two stanzas, each representing a different phase of the day and, metaphorically, stages of the speaker's grief.

The first stanza uses vivid descriptions of dying flowers and red leaves, symbolizing the fading beauty and vitality, akin to a heart that bleeds. The repetition of "Weary alway" emphasizes the relentless nature of the speaker's despair. The recurring motif of the gray clouds, the sighing autumn wind, and the refrain "He comes not yet, not yet" suggest a longing for a return that does not happen.

In the second stanza, the imagery grows more desolate with 'tattered' hollyhocks and 'trampled' roses, reflecting the deepening despair. The weather becomes 'wild and hoar,' reinforcing the theme of loss. The wind's mournful cry in the autumn tree, "He comes no more, no more," reveals the crushing realization of an irreversible loss.

The poet effectively uses personification, giving emotional characteristics to the wind, and metaphor, comparing the fading flowers to fading emotions. The rhythmic pattern and rhyme scheme give the poem a melancholic melody, enhancing the overall gloomy tone. This is a profoundly moving piece that captures the universal human experience of loss and longing through the delicate blending of natural imagery and emotion.

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.