In Black And Red

By Madison Julius Cawein

Sonnet
    The hush of death is on the night. The corn,     That loves to whisper to the wind; the leaves,     That dance with it, are silent: one perceives     No motion mid the fields, as dry as horn.     What light is that? It cannot be the morn!     Yet in the east it seems its witchcraft weaves     A fiery rose. Look! how it grows! it heaves     And flames and tosses! 'Tis a burning barn!     And now the night is rent with shouts and shots.     Dark forms and faces hurry past. The gloom     Gallops with riders. Homes are less than straw     Before this madness: human lives, mere lots     Flung in and juggled from the cap of Doom,     Where Crime stamps yelling on the face of Law.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a stark and dramatic visualization of death, chaos, and lawlessness, using powerful imagery and metaphor. The dominant theme is the destruction and disorder that can suddenly disrupt the tranquil silence of life, represented by the initially peaceful night. The tone is ominous, even apocalyptic, with the burning barn serving as a powerful symbol of devastation.

The poem adheres to a structured rhyme scheme, which contrasts with the chaos depicted in the content, suggesting a commentary on the paradoxical nature of life's unpredictability within its inherent order. The poem begins with a peaceful scene that soon gives way to the "fiery rose" of a burning barn, the transition marked by a dramatic shift in tone and imagery. The use of personification ("corn that loves to whisper," "night is rent with shouts and shots") adds a layer of emotional depth, further emphasizing the violence of the scene.

The chaos is not just physical but also societal, as the final lines reveal an upheaval of order and justice. The poet uses the metaphor of a cap of Doom juggling human lives, suggesting a sense of powerlessness against the forces of chaos. The poem ends with the striking image of "Crime stamps yelling on the face of Law," indicating a complete breakdown of societal order. This vivid, chaotic imagery combined with the poem's structured form creates a poignant commentary on the unpredictability of life and the fragility of societal order.

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.