Kinship

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
I. There is no flower of wood or lea, No April flower, as fair as she: O white anemone, who hast The wind's wild grace, Know her a cousin of thy race, Into whose face A presence like the wind's hath passed. II. There is no flower of wood or lea, No Maytime flower, as fair as she: O bluebell, tender with the blue Of limpid skies, Thy lineage hath kindred ties In her, whose eyes The heav'n's own qualities imbue. III. There is no flower of wood or lea, No Juneday flower, as fair as she: Rose, odorous with beauty of Life's first and best, Behold thy sister here confessed! Whose maiden breast Is fragrant with the dreams of love.

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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 tender, lyrical tribute to the beauty of a woman, comparing her to the beauty of nature - specifically, to the flowers of different months. The recurring refrain "There is no flower of wood or lea" evokes a rhythmic, song-like quality, employing the poetic device of anaphora to reinforce the speaker's adoration. The poem is structured in three stanzas, each dedicated to a different flower: the white anemone, the bluebell, and the rose, symbolizing April, May, and June respectively.

The poet uses rich, vibrant imagery to create vivid portraits of each flower, and by extension, of the woman herself. The language is evocative and deeply sensory, appealing to sight, smell, and touch to convey the woman's ethereal allure. The anemone, bluebell, and rose are not just metaphors for the woman's physical beauty, but also for her character and spirit - she has "the wind's wild grace," eyes like "limpid skies," and a heart "fragrant with the dreams of love." The tone is one of reverence and awe, underscoring the poet's deep affection for the woman. The poem is a masterful blend of nature and romance, demonstrating the timeless power of poetic expression.

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.