Author: Madison Julius Cawein
I. In girandoles of gladioles The day had kindled flame; And Heaven a door of gold and pearl Unclosed when Morning, like a girl, A red rose twisted in a curl, Down sapphire stairways came. Said I to Love:"What must I do? What shall I do? what can I do?" Said I to Love:"What must I do? All on a summer's morning." Said Love to me:"Go woo, go woo." Said Love to me:"Go woo. If she be milking, follow, O! And in the clover hollow, O! While through the dew the bells clang clear, Just whisper it into her ear, All on a summer's morning." II. Of honey and heat and weed and wheat The day had made perfume; And Heaven a tower of turquoise raised, Whence Noon, like some wan woman, gazed A sunflower withering at her waist Within a crystal room. Said I to Love:"What must I do? What shall I do? what can I do?" Said I to Love:"What must I do, All in the summer nooning?" Said Love to me:"Go woo, go woo." Said Love to me:"Go woo. If she be 'mid the rakers, O! Among the harvest acres, O! While every breeze brings scents of hay, Just hold her hand and not take 'nay,' All in the summer nooning." III. With song and sigh and cricket cry The day had mingled rest; And Heaven a casement opened wide Of opal, whence, like some young bride, The Twilight leaned, all starry-eyed, A moonflower on her breast. Said I to Love:"What must I do? What shall I do? what can I do?" Said I to Love:"What must I do, All in the summer gloaming?" Said Love to me:"Go woo, go woo." Said Love to me:"Go woo. Go meet her at the trysting, O! And, 'spite of her resisting, O! Beneath the stars and afterglow, Just clasp her close and kiss her so, All in the summer gloaming."
Type of Poem: Ballad
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is rich with vibrant imagery and a resonant theme of love, underlined by a sense of urgency and longing. It is divided into three parts, each representing different times of day, effectively creating an atmosphere of a whole day devoted to the pursuit of love. The poet employs the device of repetition effectively, using the protagonist's dialogue with Love to showcase his desperation and determination.
The imagery is vivid and sensual, painting lush pictures of nature that tie into the central theme of love. The day's progression from morning to noon to twilight mirrors the protagonist's increasing urgency and intensification of emotions. The poet makes use of various metaphors, such as "Heaven a door of gold and pearl" and "The Twilight leaned, all starry-eyed," inviting readers into a fantastical, romantic world.
The tone of the poem is passionate, characterized by a sense of longing and anticipation. This emotional intensity is balanced by the pastoral calm of the settings, creating a beautiful contrast that sustains reader interest. The structure of the poem, with its consistent repetition and rhythm, lends a musical quality to the piece. This harmony underscores the central theme of love and the protagonist's pursuit of it. The poet's command of language, imagery, and structure come together to create a captivating exploration of the timeless themes of love and longing.
A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.
Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:
From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.