Author: Madison Julius Cawein
I. When from the tower, like some sweet flower, The bell drops petals of the hour, That says the world is homing, My heart puts off its garb of care And clothes itself in gold and vair, And hurries forth to meet her there Within the purple gloaming. It's Oh! how slow the hours go, How dull the moments move! Till soft and clear the bells I hear, That say, like music, in my ear, "Go meet the one you love." II. When curved and white, a bugle bright, The moon blows glamour through the night, That sets the world a-dreaming, My heart, where gladness late was guest, Puts off its joy, as to my breast At parting her dear form is pressed, Within the moon's faint gleaming. It's Oh! how fast the hours passed! They were not slow enough! Too soon, too soon, the sinking moon Says to my soul, like some sad tune, "Come! part from her you love."
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: This poem is a beautiful exploration of love's anticipation and longing, set against the backdrop of the transitory nature of time. The poet employs a romantic, dreamy tone, effectively using the metaphors of the tower bell and the moon to represent the passing of time, the former bringing joyous anticipation and the latter, a melancholic separation.
Every verse is rich in imagery, conjuring up scenes of 'purple gloaming' and 'moon's faint gleaming', which not only paints a vivid picture but also contributes to the overall mood. The contrast between fast and slow movement of time, dictated by the speaker's emotions, underscores the theme of love's power over human perception. The structure of the poem, divided into two parts, further emphasizes this contrast, with the first part filled with excitement and the second with a sense of loss.
The poem's consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme add to its musicality, enhancing the emotive experience. The refrains at the end of each part, although similar, reflect contrasting emotions, a clever use of parallelism to underscore the poem's central theme. Overall, the poem demonstrates a deep understanding of human emotions associated with love, effectively communicated through vivid imagery and thoughtful metaphors.
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:
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.