Mignon

By Madison Julius Cawein

Lyric Poem
    Oh, Mignon's mouth is like a rose,     A red, red rose, that half uncurls     Sweet petals o'er a crimson bee:     Or like a shell, that, opening, shows     Within its rosy curve white pearls,     White rows of pearls,     Is Mignon's mouth that smiles at me.     Oh, Mignon's eyes are like blue gems,     Two azure gems, that gleam and glow,     Soft sapphires set in ivory:     Or like twin violets, whose stems     Bloom blue beneath the covering snow,     The lidded snow,     Are Mignon's eyes that laugh at me.     O mouth of Mignon, Mignon's eyes!     O eyes of violet, mouth of fire!     Within which lies all ecstasy     Of tears and kisses and of sighs:     O mouth, O eyes, and O desire,     O love's desire,     Have mercy on the soul of me!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem in question is a vibrant, passionate ode to a woman named Mignon. The poet employs vivid, sensual imagery to describe her physical features, employing rich metaphorical language to compare her mouth to a "red, red rose" and her eyes to "blue gems", suggesting both beauty and preciousness. Each stanza follows a similar structure, first comparing a feature of Mignon to something beautiful in nature, then repeating that comparison and ending with a direct address to Mignon herself.

The tone of the poem is one of intense admiration and longing. The use of apostrophe ("O mouth of Mignon, Mignon's eyes!") heightens the emotional intensity of the poem, making it clear that the poet is deeply affected by Mignon's beauty. The poet also employs repetition ("O mouth, O eyes, and O desire"), which serves to emphasize the depth of their feelings. The final line, "Have mercy on the soul of me!" suggests that the poet's love for Mignon is so overwhelming that it borders on torment. The themes of passion, desire, and the transformative power of beauty are thus explored with eloquence and depth.

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.