Author: Madison Julius Cawein

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I

    When Spring is here and MARGERY
    Goes walking in the woods with me,
    She is so white, she is so shy,
    The little leaves clap hands and cry - 
                Perdie!
    So white is she, so sky is she,
                Ah me!
    The maiden May hath just passed by!


II

    When Summer's here and MARGERY
    Goes walking in the fields with me,
    She is so pure, she is so fair,
    The wildflowers eye her and declare - 
                Perdie!
    So pure is she, so fair is she,
                Just see,
    Where our sweet cousin takes the air!


III

    Why is it that my MARGERY
    Hears nothing that these say to me?
    She is so good, she is so true,
    My heart it maketh such ado;
                Perdie!
    So good is she, so true is she,
                You see,
    She can not hear the other two.

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem is a romantic ode to a woman named Margery, with her purity and goodness celebrated through the changing seasons. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each representing Spring, Summer, and the poet's introspection respectively, and employs a consistent structure and rhyme scheme, imbuing the piece with a melodic quality.

The first two stanzas showcase a sense of pastoral beauty, using nature as a mirror to reflect Margery's innocence and grace. The poet employs personification brilliantly, with 'little leaves' clapping hands and 'wildflowers' declaring their admiration, enhancing the enchanting atmosphere of the natural world responding to Margery's presence. The repeated exclamation "Perdie!" adds a playful, whimsical tone to the poem.

The third stanza takes a more introspective turn, focusing on the poet's feelings for Margery. Despite the praise and adoration from the poet and nature, Margery remains oblivious, representing her modesty and the unrequited nature of the poet's affection. This shift in tone creates a poignant contrast between the joyous celebration of Margery's virtues and the silent longing of the poet, making the poem a bittersweet tribute to the beauty of both nature and unrequited love.