In Summer

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
When in dry hollows, hilled with hay, The vesper-sparrow sings afar; And, golden gray, dusk dies away Beneath the amber evening-star: There, where a warm and shadowy arm The woodland lays around the farm, To meet you where we kissed, dear heart, To kiss you at the tryst, dear heart, To kiss you at the tryst! When clover fields smell cool with dew, And crickets cry, and roads are still; And faint and few the fire-flies strew The dark where calls the whippoorwill; There, in the lane, where sweet again The petals of the wild-rose rain, To stroll with head to head, dear heart, And say the words oft said, dear heart, And say the words oft said!

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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 romantic, nature-inspired piece that captures a deeply intimate atmosphere through vivid sensory details and rhythmic lines. The themes of love, longing, and the natural world are interwoven throughout the verses. The tone is tender and warm, with the repeated phrase "dear heart" emphasizing the close connection between the speaker and the person they address.

The structure of the poem is consistent, with the repetition of the final lines in each stanza creating a refrain that echoes the poem's emotional resonance. The poet uses a variety of literary devices, including alliteration ("hilled with hay," "golden gray") and vivid, emotionally charged imagery ("clover fields smell cool with dew," "petals of the wild-rose rain"). These devices serve to draw the reader into the sensory world of the poem, enhancing the depth of the emotional landscape. The use of nature as a backdrop for the romantic rendezvous spotlights the harmony between human emotions and the natural world, and the repeated invocation of twilight and dusk instills a sense of timelessness and tranquility.

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.